The tasks that go into regular maintenance of a water heater are easy, and professionals recommend that they be done twice a year. Spring is an excellent time to check your water heater since it’s right before the cooling season, and you’re probably already checking your AC unit as well. Here are a few tasks to help your water heater work throughout its eight- to 15-year lifespan.
Flush the Tank
One of the most important tasks when it comes to spring cleaning your water heater is to flush the tank. First, turn off the power at both the heater and the circuit box to make sure it’s all the way off. Then, shut off the fresh water valve, and let then water in the tank cool down. This should take a couple of hours.
When the water is cool enough, find the drain valve and attach a hose to it. Place the end of the hose in a large bucket. If your hot water tank is installed in a basement or crawl space with an earth floor, you might just want to let the drain run. Turn on the hot water faucets in your house, then open the drain valve and drain the tank. You may have to turn off the drain a few times to empty the bucket. Finally, when the tank is fully drained, take off the hose and shut off the drain valve. Turn on the fresh water supply and the water heater at both the tank and the circuit box.
Check the Anode Rod
The anode rod is an element inside the heater that attracts chemicals that would otherwise lay down limescale and rust inside the hot water tank. This would shorten its working life. Check the anode rod and, if it’s corroded, replace it or have a professional plumber do so.
Test the TPR Valve
The TPR, or temperature, pressure, and relief valve on your water heater, is a safety feature that, frankly, keeps your water heater from blowing up. Because of this, it’s crucial that it works the right way, and it’s an absolute necessity that it be checked. To inspect this valve, open its lever. Water should enter the discharge. If it doesn’t, you should consider it an emergency. Shut off the water heater, and then call a plumbing professional immediately.
Call Us for More Tips on Water Heater Spring Cleaning
Your water heater is there to make sure you have hot water whenever you need or want it. It’s up to you to make sure it’s in good working order, whether through troubleshooting tasks you do yourself or by hiring a professional plumber. If you need hot water heater maintenance or repair this spring, don’t hesitate to call us at Evenflo Plumbing in Corvallis, OR.
