As we turn the corner and enter a new year, it’s a time to make positive changes. Remember to take care of the appliances in your home, like your water heater, if you want them to continue to work well. Here are some projects that you can tackle during the year to help your water heater last longer and work more efficiently.

Insulate the Pipes

As hot water travels through the pipes in your home, it can lose some heat. If you insulate your pipes, you can reduce some of that heat loss. Fortunately, pipe insulating materials are readily available in home improvement stores, so this is a very easy to job to handle.

Check the Temperature

Make sure your water heater is set to the right temperature. Temperatures between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit are typically ideal. At these temperatures, hot water can be effective when cleaning, but it’s not too hot that it would scald anyone.

Perform a Visual Inspection

Look around the water heater for leaks or any sign of rust or damage. If you notice a problem, consult with a professional to see what you can do. It’s better to take care of problems before they become worse. This can save you time and money.

Flush the Tank

Water can have a lot of sediment and minerals in it, and over time, these can sink to the bottom of your water heater’s tank. They can interfere with efficiency and potentially cause issues with drainage or with the pressure valve. A sediment layer can also result in corrosive damage. To prevent this, you’ll have to flush your tank. It’s often recommended that you do this annually. Flushing a tank involves connecting a hose to the drain valve, opening up that valve and letting water drain outside or into an appropriate receptacle. Then, you have to flush the tank using more water. The process can take some time and involves several critical steps, so consider leaving this task to a professional. This way, any risk will be minimized.

Check the Anode Rod

The anode rod is a metal rod that protects the tank from corrosion by attracting corrosive elements. It will need to be inspected frequently and replaced after it becomes too corroded. A good time to handle this is when your tank is being flushed. Again, a professional can perform this task for you.

Preventive Measures Can Be Helpful

During the upcoming year, remember to look after your major appliances, such as your water heater. To extend its lifespan and help it work more efficiently, make sure you address the basic tasks described above, and consider hiring help for the more significant maintenance jobs. If you’d like help with your water heater in Grand Forks, ND, call Total Care Plumbing.