In modern life, water is a necessity. Virtually all households in the US have a water heater installed, and water heaters use the most energy inside a home, besides air heating and cooling. However, 27 million households in the US have a water heater that’s more than ten years old. Water heaters, like any appliance, deteriorate as they age, and each year about 8% of households replace their water heaters.
For waters heaters to be kept safe for use and sanitary, they need to be well-maintained. We’ll break down how to do that:
1. Check the Pressure Valve
All water heaters have a temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve). This is a safety device, and its function is to open and relieve pressure in case the tank is overburdened with pressure. It’s vital for the T&P valve to work correctly because if it doesn’t, the tank could explode if over-pressured.
2. Flush the Tank
The energy efficiency of your water heater will decrease if there is sediment buildup in the tank. This a significant reason that water lines get clogged. So, every time you check your valve, flush the tank to avoid sediment buildup and increase the lifespan of your appliance.
3. Dirty Water
Corroded water could be a result of a decayed anode rod or even the water tank. If this problem is not treated, it could cause the tank to leak, and then you’ll need to get your heater replaced. If the water appears discolored, it could be because of scale buildup on the heat elements, which has made it into the water channels.
4. Smelly Water
Water usually smells, particularly sulfur or rotten eggs, when there’s bacteria in the tank. If you have bacteria in your water heater, there could be dangerous health consequences for you and your family. For a temporary fix, regularly flush the water heater. However, a more long-term solution would be to replace the anode rod of your heater. Replacing the anode rod is easy and inexpensive. It can also add years to your water heater’s life cycle, making it a great way to ensure the long-term maintenance of your appliance.
If you’d like service on your water heater, check out Pro Serve Plumbing. We offer all types of plumbing and water heater services in Fort Worth. We have experts who can solve all types of water heaters problems and care for the long-term health of the appliance. Get in touch with them now to book your appointment.
