Learn how to improve your water heater’s efficiency and even lower your utility bills.
There are a few ways to help prolong your water heater’s life and keep it in top working order. Following these six tips, each year may help you have a longer tank life expectancy, lower energy bills, and minimize damage due to water leakage.
1. Know where your water heater is located
Not only should you know where the water heater is, but you should also have clear access to it, as sometimes it’s tucked away in an attic or basement. The plumbing is not easy to reach.
2. Know what type of water heater you have
You should know whether your water heater is natural gas, electric, or propane, or whether it’s a storage tank type or a tankless type water heater. Please write down the model and the serial number of your water heater or know where this information is on the tank. It has the age and gallon capacity coded into it.
3. Know how to turn off the water
It’s a good idea to know how to shut off the water and the fuel or power supply to the water heater before facing a water heater dilemma. This is important in an emergency or if your water heater is leaking or you smell gas. There should be a gas valve or a disconnect switch within a few feet of the water heater. It’s also a good idea to know where your main gas shut-off valve is or which breaker is used for the water heater.
As for the water shut-off, most shut-off valves are located above the water heater on the cold side piping. It would help if you also found your water shut-off valve coming into your home. Suppose you need special tools to turn any valves off or open the breaker box. Keep those nearby and in clear sight. This will make all the difference when you have water leaking all over or smell gas, and time is of the essence.
4. Clear the area around your water heater
There are several reasons why it’s a good idea to give your water heater some space.
- A gas-fired unit needs a good supply of oxygen to burn the gas. Suppose a water heater is smothered and can’t get enough oxygen. In that case, it can affect the unit’s efficiency and cause damage to the burner chamber and other water heater parts. It can even cause carbon monoxide leaks.
- If the unit starts to leak, you may not catch it as soon as the area is hidden from view. This can cause severe water damage and even waste energy as the water heater has to reheat the water more often.
- Storing items too close to the water heater can be a fire hazard.
5. Drain or flush your water heater
It is always a good idea to have a Brother’s plumbing professional drain and flush your water heater at least once a year. A complete flush is recommended if we notice a lot of sediment or debris.
Nobody thinks a hot water tank could be a safety concern in their homes. Still, we at Brothers Plumbing, Heating, & Electric know better. Our water heater repair and replacement services are your solution. We also recommend that once your water heater repair or replacement is completed, your hot water should not exceed 125 degrees F. Exceeding this temperature poses a severe risk of burns, particularly to younger children.
Your water heater is a significant energy consumer in your home. Suppose your water heater is more than a few years old. In that case, you may consider replacing it with a new, energy-efficient model.
