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Check Safety and Prepare Your Water Heaters for Winters
We count on a water heater for everyday mundane tasks such as taking a shower and doing the dishes etc. It can become inconvenient when water heaters stop working suddenly. It is difficult to live through winters without warm water. But when it comes to appliances, regular maintenance is necessary to avoid disruptions. It further saves the cost of repairs. To ensure that hot water is available on chilly days, invest your time in preparing a water heater for winters ahead of time. Use these simple tips to keep your water heaters in perfect working order.
Drain The Water Once In A While
- Minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, etc. are present in natural water. With time these minerals settle down at the bottom of the tank in the form of sediments. This reduces the working capability of the water heater, thereby, costing you money and time.
To keep the water heater working efficiently, flush the water heater’s tank once or twice a year. All you have to do is connect a pipe to the drain valve and open a hot water faucet to allow water to drain.
Insulate Pipes and Tanks
- Water heaters are insulated to prevent the water from freezing when the temperature drops low. Conventional water heaters are insulated to keep the water flowing at the right temperature. But with tankless water heaters, there is a drawback.
As the water moves through the pipes the temperature drops down significantly. This decreases the efficiency of a water heater as it has to work harder to keep the water warm. Pipe sleeves should be used to deal with this issue.
Keep An Eye On Anode Rod
- Anode rods are present in a water tank. They prevent the water tank from corrosion by collecting heavy metals that otherwise would damage the walls of the water tank. An Anode rod acts like a magnet that attracts corrosive metals. This prevents them from sticking to the lining of the water tank.
Over time, the efficiency of the anode rod decreases especially if the tank is older than 2 years. Check the anode rod once every 2 years and replace it if it’s less than ½ inch thick.
Test the working of Pressure Relief Valve
- The purpose of the pressure relief valve is to prevent the water heater from burning up when the pressure builds up. It is important that the pressure relief valve is tested once a year to make sure it is working accurately.
There is a simple way to test the pressure relief valve. Pull it up gently and allow the water to eject for some time. The valve is functioning in the right order if you see water being expelled from the discharge tube.
Increase The Temperature Up To a Few Degrees
Water temperature drops significantly during winter. If you have set your water heater at normal temperature this might not work. This won’t be enough to give you a continuous supply of hot water during a shower. Because the temperature is not enough to heat the water to the desired temperature. Besides as the water flows through cold pipes, the temperature drops further.
It is wise to raise the water temperature by 5 or 10 degrees during winter. Ideally, water heaters should be set at 120 Fahrenheit. This is the best temperature to suit all your needs.
If you are all set for installing a water heater or require water heater repair services call us at 832-772-5501. You can get in touch with our Proline Plumbing team for plumbing inspections to ensure a continued supply of hot water in your home. We are located in Houston, Texas.
