Your water heater plays a pivotal role in providing warm and hot water when you need it most. From bathing to washing dishes, your home’s water heater is a staple in everyday life. To mitigate risks and avoid injuries, you need to know how to remain safe while inspecting and maintaining your water heater.

Schedule Routine Maintenance

As time passes, your water heater may begin to accumulate sediment and may require routine inspections, flushing, and maintenance. Working with a professional plumbing team is a good way to protect and preserve your water heater, extending its lifespan. Regularly scheduled maintenance can also prevent major repair and component replacement jobs, which can save you money over time.

Check and Adjust Temperature Settings

Check the temperature settings of your water heater to ensure your water is not scalding and that you’re conserving as much energy as possible. While the default setting for many water heaters is 140 degrees Fahrenheit, reducing the temperature to 120 degrees can dramatically reduce energy waste and the risk of scalding.

Clear the Area Surrounding Your Water Heater

Remove any boxes, furniture, or other items that are close to your water heater. Clearing the appliance’s surroundings will reduce hazards. When you have a clear path to your water heater, it’s also much easier to identify potential leaks. Avoid keeping stored items such as paint, chemicals, solvents, and flammable items far away from your water heater and other appliances. Keeping the area surrounding your water heater clear will also make it more accessible for inspections, routine maintenance, and repairs. For safety and efficiency, electric water heaters need about 12 inches of clearance in all directions; gas water heaters require 18 inches.

Learn About Your Water Heater’s Pressure Valve

Your water heater has a safety feature known as a pressure relief valve that helps alleviate pressure when your water heater exceeds safe levels. The valve can prevent potential explosions and significant damage to your water heater and the people in your household. Lifting the level of the valve and allowing it to fall back in place can help release pressure with a gurgling sound. During this process, some water will also be released back into the heater’s drain tube. If your valve isn’t working properly, contact a professional plumber, as you will likely need to replace it.

Maintaining your water heater is crucial, regardless of its make and model, age, or how much usage it receives each day. If you’ve discovered that your water heater isn’t running efficiently or that sediment or foul odors are coming from your water, call a plumber.

If you are located in Corvallis, OR and need assistance with your water heater, contact our team at Evenflo Plumbing today.