Your water heater probably doesn’t get enough credit for its work. Water heaters with tanks have to constantly work to maintain the temperature of the water inside them so that you have hot water whenever you need it. But most people don’t notice the work their water heater does until it stops working. The best way to avoid running out of hot water when you need it? The answer is proper water heater maintenance. If you’re unsure how to maintain your water heater, keep reading to get some tips from our experts in water heater replacements and water intrusion repair in Sacramento.
Flush Your Water Heater Yearly
One of the best ways to maintain your water heater is to flush it at least once a year. Sediment buildup is one of the leading causes of water heater failure and inefficient water heating. As your water heater heats up your water supply, sediment settles to the bottom of the tank. This can form into a hard crust, which will continue to grow and reduce the capacity of your water heater tank. Additionally, that layer of sediment forms a barrier between the heating elements below the tank and the water inside of it, making it harder for the water heater to maintain your water temperature.
The harder your water heater has to work to do its job, the faster it will break down. Flushing your tank helps to remove this sediment buildup so that you can have a constant supply of hot water and your water heater can have a longer functional life. Ultimately, this will save you significant amounts of money over the years by reducing your monthly utility bill and lowering the risk of premature water heater failure.
Check Your Water Heater’s Thermostat
This is only something you have to do once, but if you haven’t looked at the thermostat on your water heater since it was installed, you should definitely do so. Many manufacturers set their water heaters to a default of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is much hotter than necessary in your average home. Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees can reduce the risk of scalding when using hot water. The lower temperature also slows down corrosion in both the tank and the pipes, helping your water heater and your hot water supply lines last longer. This can have huge money-saving benefits for your home since corroded pipes will almost always lead to plumbing repairs and water damage.
Use a Water Softening Agent
Remember that sediment buildup we mentioned earlier? It happens much more quickly in areas that have hard water. If you live in such an area, you should use a water-softening agent to increase the lifespan of your water heater. This will slow the sediment accumulation in your tank so that it doesn’t develop a thick layer at the bottom of the tank in between your annual flushes.
Insulate the Tank
Water heaters with tanks have to constantly work to maintain the temperature of the water inside them. The faster that water cools off, the more frequently the heater has to turn on to restore proper temperatures. As we mentioned before, the harder a water heater has to work to do its job, the first it will wear itself out. You can reduce the frequency at which your water heater has to warm up the tank by insulating the tank itself and connecting pipes. A good insulation layer is relatively inexpensive and easy to install yourself. Keeping the heat inside the tank for longer will prolong your water heater’s functional life while reducing your utility bill.
When Your Water Heater Fails
Of course, all water heaters will eventually need to be replaced. If your water heater is a decade old and has begun to give you consistent troubles, then it’s probably time to install a new one. We can help you install a newer, more efficient water heater; we even carry top-of-the-line tankless water heaters, which can provide a constant hot water supply without running out. Newer models are also more efficient, so that you can save money on your heating bill each month after installation. If your water heater isn’t working or has begun to leak, contact Bullseye Leak Detection today.
Have a leak in your home that’s not from your water heater? We can help with that too. Contact us for expert leak detection, repiping service, and water main repair in Sacramento. Schedule your repairs with Bullseye Leak Detection today, and get reliable, professional service from our team of trusted experts.