Many homeowners take a break-fix approach to their water heaters, but plumbers warn that it can cost you more in the end. Seasonal maintenance provides many benefits. It can improve efficiency, which reduces your carbon footprint and month-to-month costs. A tune-up can also extend the life of your water heater, thereby reducing your total cost of ownership.

Check the Temperature

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature strikes the best balance between comfort, safety, and efficiency. If you’ll be away from home for 48 hours or more, enable the water heater’s vacation mode. If it lacks a vacation mode, turn the thermostat down to the lowest setting provided.

Test the Pressure Relief Valve

The temperature-pressure relief (TPR) valve lets the water heater drain water if the temperature or pressure gets too high. If the TPR valve malfunctions, high pressure will persist and cause wear and tear. To test it, lift it and lower it three times. Contact us if no water comes out or the water you see does not drain well through the drainage line.

Replace the Sacrificial Anode Rod if Needed

It’s best to have us check the sacrificial anode rod every year. This component attracts minerals and sediment and will fail over time. Its typical lifespan is between three and five years. As this part becomes less effective, those substances build up on your inner tank walls. They can also accumulate on components like heating elements and heat exchangers.

Flush the Tank

It’s a good idea to flush your tank annually, and fall is an excellent time for it. We’ll attach a hose to the drain valve and empty the tank. That will remove all limescale and sediment accumulation that can diminish efficiency and shorten system life.

If you have moderately hard or harder water, you may want to consider an upgrade to your system. An anti-scale device for your water heater is a local and relatively affordable solution. If you want a home-wide solution, consider a point-of-entry water softener.

Inspect the Insulation

All tank water heaters should have insulation on the water lines coming into and out of the system. This is particularly important if the appliance is an unheated area of your home. Poor insulation can drive up your costs and cause the water heater to work harder. If you notice it fraying or otherwise wearing, ask us to replace it.

If you have an electric water heater, also consider an insulated base and a water heater jacket. Fuel-burning water heaters don’t need these upgrades, but they can improve the efficiency of electric systems notably.

If you live in Antioch, CA and want to schedule professional water heater maintenance, contact our team at Almighty Plumbing today.