As summer sets in, now is an opportune time to ensure all essential systems in your home operate at maximum performance – especially your water heater! Maintaining it regularly extends its lifespan while increasing efficiency – saving energy, and decreasing utility bills. For assistance in any aspect of water heater maintenance or any aspect related to its functioning in general, quality plumbing in Houston offers services of unparalleled excellence that can keep this essential system functioning at its optimal levels.
Below is a detailed summer maintenance checklist designed to keep your water heater operating at optimal performance throughout the year.
1. Conduct An Inspection Of The Water Heater For Leaks
At the outset of any maintenance schedule for a water heater, its first task should be inspecting for signs of leaks. Even minor breaches should be promptly addressed to ensure optimal performance, as they can result in water damage and inefficiency as the heater works harder than intended. Check the heater’s base and all connected pipelines.
2. Check Your Temperature Setting
As temperatures warm in the summer, you may require less hot water. The optimal temperature for your water heater is typically 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius). Reducing the temperature can reduce the danger of electrocution and save energy.
By setting the temperature appropriately, you’ll save energy costs without compromising comfort or the buildup of mineral deposits when water is heated to very high temperatures in tanks.
3. Flushing The Tank To Clear Away Sediments
Sediment accumulation within your water heater reservoir may occur over time. Typically composed of calcium and magnesium minerals, such build-up reduces efficiency by making your heater work harder to heat the water. Flushing your tank at least once annually during summer helps remove this build-up to keep things running smoothly for you and ensure smooth performance from your heater.
4. Validate Pressure Relief Valve
Pressure relief valves are essential safety features of water heaters. They prevent excess pressure from building up in your tank, which could otherwise result in dangerous situations. Unfortunately, with time, they may become defective; to maintain optimal functioning, it’s wise to test regularly.
5. Check Your Anode Rod
An anode rod is an essential part of your water heater. It keeps rust and corrosion out of the tank by drawing the components that cause the corrosion to it instead of letting them stick to the walls. Over time, however, anodes wear out and need replacement.
Be sure to include inspecting the anode rod as part of your regular summer maintenance tasks, especially if its diameter has shrunk significantly or it has become heavily coated with calcium deposits. In these instances, replacement should occur immediately.
6. Insulate Your Pipes
While summer may not seem appropriate to focus on insulation, doing so now may pay dividends in cooler seasons ahead. Insulating the pipes from your water heater’s tank to its faucet can reduce heat loss while improving system efficiency and cutting energy costs.
Insulating your water heater and its pipes is a straightforward task that involves wrapping them with insulation material available at many hardware stores. This will help ensure that the heater operates efficiently during summer months and winter weather conditions. Doing this will allow for optimal performance of both systems during hotter and cooler seasons.
7. Request Professional Inspection Services Now
Though many maintenance tasks can be completed at home by homeowners themselves, it is highly advised to arrange a professional inspection at least annually. A licensed plumber will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your water heater, identify any potential issues, and execute any necessary repairs or replacements.
A professional inspection can identify potential leaks, check all components for functionality issues, and ensure everything runs as intended, saving costly repairs or unexpected breakdowns down the line.
Conclusion
Maintaining your water heater during the summer months ensures it remains efficient and reliable all year round. Following a straightforward maintenance checklist can avoid unexpected issues, prolong its lifespan, and lower energy costs. Should any tasks require professional intervention, reach out for quality plumbing in Houston to keep it in top shape.
Your water heater requires regular care and attention to continue efficiently providing hot water for many years to come. Adopting these measures will continue fulfilling all its obligations while maintaining its safety.
