Your water heater is essential to daily life in your Belleville, IL home. It provides hot water for everything from showers and washing dishes to doing laundry. At Polar, we know how important it is to keep your water heater in top shape. Regular maintenance helps ensure it runs efficiently, saving you money on energy bills and extending its lifespan. In this blog, we’ll share practical tips for maintaining your water heater so it continues to perform at its best. By following these simple steps, you can prevent costly repairs, improve energy efficiency, and prolong the life of your water heater. Keep reading for easy-to-follow maintenance advice to protect your investment.
Flush Your Tank Regularly
Sediment buildup in tank water heaters is a common problem, especially in areas with hard water. Over time, sediment can decrease efficiency and even damage the tank. To prevent this, it’s important to flush your water heater regularly. Start by turning off the heater and allowing the water to cool. Then, connect a garden hose to the drain valve and direct the other end to a safe drainage area. Open the valve and let the water flow out until it runs clear. Once done, close the valve, disconnect the hose, and refill the tank. Flushing your water heater annually helps maintain its efficiency and can significantly extend its lifespan.
Adjust Temperature Settings
Setting your water heater to the correct temperature is an easy yet effective way to save energy and avoid potential safety issues. Most manufacturers recommend setting the thermostat to 120°F, which is the ideal temperature for most households. This setting strikes a balance between providing enough hot water for everyday needs, like showers and dishwashing, while also reducing the risk of burns. Keeping the water temperature at this level can help conserve energy, lowering your utility bills over time. Additionally, when the temperature is set too high, your hot water tank has to work harder, wasting energy. By adjusting the thermostat to 120°F, you can enjoy both safety and energy savings without sacrificing comfort.
Check for Leaks
It’s important to regularly check your water heater and its surrounding area for signs of leaks. Even small leaks can cause significant water damage and lead to higher utility bills if not addressed. Leaks often occur due to loose connections, corroded tanks, or faulty valves. By catching leaks early, you can prevent them from worsening and avoid costly repairs or water damage. If you notice any damp spots, water pooling, or signs of moisture, act right away to inspect the source and make necessary repairs. Timely maintenance and attention to these issues will help keep your water heater running efficiently and protect your home from water damage.
Examine the Anode Rod
Anode rods play a vital role in protecting your hot water tank from rust and corrosion. It’s important to inspect the anode rod every 2 to 3 years and replace it if it shows signs of wear. Look for a rod that is less than half an inch thick, coated with calcium buildup, or has exposed core steel wire. If any of these conditions are present, it’s time to replace the rod. Keeping the anode rod in good condition helps prevent damage to your water heater’s tank and can significantly extend its lifespan. Regular maintenance of this part can save you from costly repairs and ensure your water heater runs efficiently for years.
Test the Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve is an important safety feature that prevents your water heater from overpressurizing. To ensure it’s functioning properly, test the valve at least once a year. Start by turning off the power supply to the heater. Place a bucket under the valve’s discharge pipe and lift the lever to release some water and pressure. If no water flows or if the valve leaks after the test, it’s a sign that it needs to be replaced. Regular testing of the pressure relief valve can help avoid potential damage to your water heater and keep it running safely and efficiently. Don’t overlook this simple maintenance step.
Insulate Your Water Heater
Insulating your water heater and its pipes is an effective way to reduce heat loss and lower your energy costs. By using an insulating blanket designed specifically for water heaters, you can help the unit retain heat, which means it won’t have to work as hard to maintain the desired temperature. Additionally, wrapping exposed hot water pipes with foam insulation can prevent heat loss as the water travels through them. Be sure to avoid covering the thermostat or blocking airflow, especially in gas-powered models, as this can interfere with proper operation. With these simple insulation steps, your water heater will run more efficiently, saving you money on your energy bills and extending the life of the unit.
Schedule Professional Maintenance Services with Polar
Taking care of the water heater in your Belleville, IL home doesn’t have to be difficult. By staying on top of a few simple tasks, like checking for leaks, flushing the tank, and inspecting the anode rod, you can keep your water heater running efficiently for years. These small steps help ensure consistent hot water, lower energy bills, and a longer lifespan for your unit. If you prefer to leave the maintenance to professionals, our team at Polar is ready to help. We offer thorough water heater maintenance services designed to keep your system working smoothly. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you maintain your water heater and keep it running at its best.
