Water heaters are designed to last for a couple decades, but they won’t last as long as they’re supposed to unless you keep up on recommended care and preventative maintenance. To keep your water heater running efficiently, effectively and consistently for the duration of its intended lifespan, there are some simple things that you can do. By following these simple maintenance steps, you can ensure that you always have reliable access to hot water in your home and avoid costly maintenance and premature investment in new water heater installation in Raleigh, NC.
The importance of water heater maintenance
The most significant benefit of consistent water heater maintenance is that it will increase the longevity of your unit. Water heaters aren’t inexpensive, so keeping your existing water heater in good condition for a longer period of time will help you save money and delay water heater replacement. Maintaining your water heater also ensures that you won’t have to deal with a sudden water heater breakdown and you can count on reliable hot water for all of the fixtures in your home. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Calibrate temperature: The default temperature for most water heater units is 140°F, which is generally hotter than it needs to be. In fact, for virtually everything you use hot water for, from washing clothes to taking a shower, your water doesn’t need to be more than 120°F. By setting your water heater to this temperature, you can save some energy and reduce stress on your water heater unit.
- Flush sediment: Your water heater collects a lot of sediment over time from water and pipes, and this sediment pools at the bottom of the tank. It’s important to flush this sediment out of the tank at least once a year to improve the efficiency of your system and prevent corrosion.
- Insulate your tank: Many homeowners insulate their water heater tanks to prevent heat loss and improve efficiency. You can insulate your water heater with specialized insulation material that is designed for water heater tanks. Covering your tank with this material can also reduce fire risk by preventing overheating issues.
- Get professional maintenance: A professional will be able to offer a comprehensive tune-up for your system to ensure that all of your water heater’s parts and components are in good shape. They will also drain your tank and flush the sediment so that you don’t have to. It’s best to get this service done at least once a year for the best results.
Reach out for water heater installation in Raleigh, NC
For more information about plumbing maintenance or water heater installation in Raleigh, NC, contact Affordable Plumbing Call Us 1st, Inc. For 25 years, we have been proud to provide comprehensive commercial and residential plumbing services to keep plumbing systems and features in local homes and businesses working the way they should. We have extensive experience providing a wide range of services, so you can rely on us to help address all of your plumbing needs. Give us a call today to find out more about what we have to offer—we would be happy to help you!