A water heater is a very important part of every home. Your water heater is what provides you with hot showers, as well as helping you wash your clothes and dishes. Without a properly working water heater, some daily tasks that we often take for granted become much more difficult.
At ServiceOne, our team of professional Omaha plumbers know how important a properly working water heater is. Below, we go over some water heater maintenance tips and explain why this is needed in order to extend the life of your water heater.
Water heater maintenance
Performing maintenance on your water heater is quite easy, and it doesn't have to be done that often either. It’s a good idea to perform these maintenance tasks below one to two times throughout the year.
Check the temperature
If you notice a change in your home’s water temperature, it may be a sign that something is off with your water heater. By checking the thermostat on your water heater, you will ensure that it’s operating at the right temperatures. 120 degrees Fahrenheit is the perfect temperature for your water heater, which will not only help you save money on heating costs, but also prevent issues from happening as well.
Drain the tank
Another thing you need to do at least once a year, and even a couple of times a year, is drain out about a quarter of the water that is in your water heater tank. Flushing out a quarter of your tank will help remove sediment that has accumulated, as well as preserve the heating efficiency of your water heater.
Test pressure
A common problem homeowners can run into with their water heater is a clogged or malfunctioning pressure valve, which is why testing this is another important maintenance task to remember to do. By testing your water heater pressure valve, you will be able to tell if it’s working properly, or if it is clogged. If you notice that it’s not working properly, it’s a smart idea to call a professional Omaha plumber to come replace it soon!
Here are some tips on how to test your water heater’s pressure valve.
Insulate your tank
Lastly, while it’s not totally necessary, insulating your tank by wrapping an insulated blanket around your tank and pipes is a great way to improve the efficiency of your water heater!
By remembering to perform these simple maintenance tasks, you can significantly prolong the life of your water heater, ensure it’s working properly and prevent problems from coming up in the future. If you run into any problems with your home’s water heater, or any questions, our professional Omaha plumbers are here to help! Give us a call today!