Your water heater controls many aspects of your entire home. It is responsible for the hot water that you use when you take a shower and the ability that you have to wash your dishes at the end of each day. Unfortunately, water heaters do break or need maintenance at times, and most homeowners do not know where to begin. What’s worse is that the water heater can fail and start to damage many other areas of your home especially when it starts leaking. If you suspect you need water heater repair in Downriver Michigan be sure to look over the tips below.
Water Heater Maintenance in Downriver Michigan: Why It’s So Important
Having a working water heater is a must especially during the colder months of the year. But when you’re water heater is not working properly it can certainly cause loads of frustration. Luckily, there are many things you can do to keep a check on your water heater and make sure it works properly. A plumber can also check regularly on your water heater to make sure it works as it should. Here are some things you can do.
This article is meant to be informative. These are the three main actions you can take to ensure that your water heater lasts for its entire lifespan. For the average water heater, this can be up to 11 years! We don’t advise you open any panels or check any type of electrical items that require a qualified technician. It’s better to be safe than sorry and if you suspect something is amiss, call a qualified plumber for help.
Check the Temperature
Your water heater is equipped with a thermostat that you should have access to. Taking a look at the water heater can seem overwhelming at first, but you can take a look at the thermostat to ensure that everything is going well with your water heater. Most are set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but this can often be too hot for most households.
Most professionals recommend that the thermostat be set to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This prevents any damage from taking place because it prevents your water heater from standing by and waiting for a demand for heat. This can also help with mineral build-up and corrosion.
Drain the Tank Regularly
A couple of times each year, you should drain the tank. To do this, you must first turn off the cold water supply, hook up a garden hose to the drain valve, and flush out about a quarter of the tank. Then, you can run the water until it starts to look clear.
When you drain the tank, this clears away any sediment and build-up that naturally occurs over time. Keeping this part clear will make sure that your water heater is running as efficiently as possible.
Test the Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve is responsible for releasing a burst of hot water into the drainpipe. You can test this by raising and then lowering the test lever. Both of these parts of your water heater should be clearly marked. When you do this regularly, you are not only ensuring that your water heater is working but also that it is being flushed out to clear the debris that has built up.
If you do this regularly, you should get an idea of what is supposed to happen. Once you notice that there is no big burst happening, this could indicate that you have a blockage. In this case, you should contact your local plumber to get the water heater inspected.
While water heaters are generally complex devices, they do not require complex maintenance. By completing these three actions, you are doing your due diligence as a homeowner to make sure that your water heater is going to last you as long as possible.
If you feel that you have a problem with your water heater, it is best to take care of it sooner rather than later. Be sure to call the experts at Downriver Plumbers today at (734) 548-9925. They can repair or replace your water heater quickly if needed and also offer maintenance services. Call today to learn more and schedule service on your water heater in Downriver Michigan.