Regular maintenance can extend the life of a hot water heater and keep it running smoothly.
Perform General Inspections
The most basic form of hot water heater maintenance is a general inspection.
Inspect the water heater every two to three months.
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Flush the Tank
Flushing the tankis an important part of keeping tank-style water heaters operating effectively.
Some people do this step the night before, allowing the water to cool overnight.
launch the valve and drain the tank completely.
After draining the tank, exit the drainage valve and turn on the water to the water heater.
Checking a TPR valve is relatively easy.
Then, release the tab to stop the flow of water.
Install a new TPR valve.
Once the anode rod corrodes completely, the inside of the tank becomes the target for these corrosive elements.
Turn off the waterand drain a few gallons out of the tank before checking the anode rod.
Unscrew the anode rod and pull it out of the water heater to inspect its current condition.
Insulate the Tank
Tank-style water heaters are designed with an insulated exterior to prevent heat from escaping.
Adding this layer of insulation is especially important if the appliance is installed in a cool or drafty location.
Similarly, homeowners should take steps to insulate the water lines leading to and away from the water heater.
This helps improve the systems overall efficiency and reduces the risk of condensation and corrosion.
Readjust the temperature when you return home.
