You use your water heater throughout the year to cook and take a shower, and appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine use hot water to wash the dishes and clean your clothes.
It’s easy to forget about the water heater until the water in your house won’t get hot. That’s when you call a plumber, but you can avoid that happening with regularly scheduled maintenance. Follow these steps to make sure your water heater will be there for you whenever you need it throughout the new year.
To ensure that the water coming out of the faucet never gets so hot that it’s scalding, set the water temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Many manufacturers will set it at 140 degrees, but for the average family, this is too hot.
The TPR valve ensures that there is the right temperature/pressure balance in the water heater. Put a bucket beneath the discharge tube and lift the valve to let water run out for a few seconds. Remember, the water is hot! After a few seconds, gently lower the valve back down again. If water keeps leaking, that’s a sign of a problem.
Sediment builds up at the bottom of the water heater tank and needs to be drained every year.
Use slip-on foam or an insulation blanket to cover the pipes and all other exposed parts of the water heater. Before you start:
Be sure to wear gloves, safety glasses, a long-sleeved shirt, and a mask.
If you notice a problem with your device, contact one of our licensed plumbers at Freedom Flow in Scranton, PA to determine if it needs water heater repairs. You can rely on us to get your water heater up and running in no time.