From taking warm and cozy showers to washing clothes and dishes with hot water, a well-functioning water heater makes everyday life better and easier. While it’s true that traditional water heaters can live for up to 15 years and tankless units have a useful life of up to 20 years—they can break down way before their expected lifetime without proper maintenance.
Without further ado, let’s dive into some critical water heater maintenance tips that you must follow to keep your water heater in the best shape for years to come.
Keep an Eye on the Pressure Release and Temperature Valves
Every once in six months, check the pressure release valve and the temperature valve on your water heater. Raise the valve and then lower it to see if the valve lets out a burst of water into the discharge tube. If the valve appears to be leaking, disconnect the discharge tube and let all the water drain out of the geyser. When all the water is out, replace the valve, and you’re good to go.
It’s best to call a professional plumber to get the valve replaced, but if you plan to do it on your own, make sure you turn off the water heater and wear gloves before draining out the hot water.
Keep the Temperatures Low
Many people think that their water heaters will perform better if they set them on high temperatures—this is nothing more than a myth. Experts recommend keeping your thermostats adjusted at 120 degrees for optimum efficiency and performance. Besides extending your water heater’s life, lowering the temperatures will also lower your energy bills.
Hire Professional Plumbing Maintenance
Though you can always keep a check on the condition of the valves, pipes, plug, heating rod, burner, and other components of your water heater, that doesn’t eliminate the need for professional water heater maintenance. Professional plumbers have years of expertise and knowledge, and they only need to look at your water heater once to assess if something seems off. Professional maintenance can save you from costly water heater repairs and replacements in the long run.
If you suspect your water heater isn’t working as efficiently as it should, get in touch with us for one of the best water heater repair services in Fort Worth. At Pro Serve Plumbing, we offer top-quality water heater repairs, replacements, and installations, along with a variety of other plumbing services.
To learn about our safe services during the COVID-19 pandemic, call us now at 817-244-0614!
