Benefits of Preventative Hot Water Heater Maintenance
Performing preventative maintenance on your water heater usually improves the unit’s longevity and performance. When your water heater operates at peak efficiency, it uses less energy which means lower electricity or fuel costs. If you notice minor issues when servicing your unit, now would be a good time to fix them. This can prevent small problems from turning into big problems and saves you money on repair and replacement costs. Preventative maintenance increases safety levels in your home by preventing electrical and gas issues. Proper water heater care also removes sediment buildup and corrosion to improve the taste, feel and overall quality of your water.
Below are common water heater parts that require maintenance or are often the source of repair issues:
- Cold water inlet
- T&P Discharge Pipe
- T&P relief valve
- Anode rod
- Drain valve
- Hot water outlet
- Pilot assembly
- Gas valve
- Thermopile
- Heating element (electric water heaters)
- Thermostat (electric water heaters)
Safety First
With a little care and maintenance, you can keep your gas and electric water heaters working efficiently. However, if you’re not comfortable working with gas or electricity when caring for your water heater, call a professional to do the job.
Always wear gloves, goggles and other protective clothing while performing maintenance on your water heater.
Checking the T&P Valve
Both gas and electric water heaters have a safety device called a temperature and pressure relief valve, or T&P valve for short. In the event the tank is overpressurized, the relief valve opens and releases the pressure. If the valve doesn't operate correctly, the tank can overpressurize and explode. Maintenance should be performed on the T&P valve once a year and should be inspected by a professional every 5 years.
How to Check the T&P Valve
Flushing the Tank
Sediment buildup in the tank can reduce your water heater's energy efficiency and clog your water lines. Avoid these problems with preventative maintenance and increase the life of your unit by flushing the tank each time you check the pressure relief valve.
How to Flush the Tank
Adjusting the Temperature
One of the most common issues with water heaters is water that’s either too hot or too cold. However, this water heater maintenance issue is easy to correct simply by adjusting the thermostat.
How to Adjust the Water Heater Temperature
Checking the Sacrificial Anode
The inside of water heater tanks is protected by sacrificial anode rods through a process called galvanic corrosion. Tanks are made from metal that’s susceptible to corrosive elements in water. The anode attracts minerals and other corrosive elements away from the tank and to itself so that the tank doesn’t erode. Preventative maintenance and checking the sacrificial anode rod help ensure the longevity of the water heater tank.
How to Check the Sacrificial Anode
Insulating the Pipes and Unit
As part of DIY preventative water heater maintenance, it’s important to weatherproof your unit to reduce freezing risks in colder climates. Proper insulation around the pipes helps prevent heat loss for improved energy efficiency.
How to Insulate the Pipes and Unit
Gas Water Heaters: Lighting the Pilot
With the gas valve in an “on” position and the control knob set to “pilot,” press the knob and push the igniter button. The light will blink when it’s lit, and you should see a small flame through the view pane. Set the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Read and follow your manufacturer’s manual for more detailed instructions on lighting the pilot. Newer water heater models have a smaller pilot light, which may be hard to see. If so, darken the room and look carefully through the sight glass to see the pilot light.
A gas water heater may produce condensation the first time it’s lit. You may hear dripping sounds or see a small puddle of water in the drain pan. This condensation is normal and will go away once the water heater has reached its normal operating temperature.
Electric Water Heaters: Before Connecting Electric Power
The most common problem with electric water heaters is turning the power on before the tank is completely full of water. If this happens, the upper heating element will burn out, and you’ll have no hot water until the upper element is replaced.
Follow the steps below before connecting the power to your electric water heater.
Instructions
Leaks and Drips
Most leaks are caused by faulty water supply connections. Use quality materials, proper techniques and check your work carefully. Compression fittings are easier to install for DIYers than copper pipes, which need to be soldered.
Drips from the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve discharge pipe usually mean a thermal expansion tank is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about hot water heater maintenance.
How Do You Maintain a Tankless Water Heater?
Caring for a tankless water heater ensures a long lifespan. Just like with a regular water heater, these appliances need flushing and inspection. You should also keep watch on the inlet filter regularly to keep it free of debris.
What’s a Good Annual Water Heater Maintenance Checklist?
Servicing your water heater each year helps prolong its life and increase energy efficiency. Care for your unit by checking these common issues annually:
- Check for leaks.
- Flush the tank.
- Test the temperature and pressure relief valve.
- Inspect the sacrificial anode.
- Clean air intake vents.
- Check the venting system.
- Insulate the pipes and tank.
- Check thermostat settings.
- Inspect electrical connections.