As temperatures heat up during summertime, your water heater may become less active than it was during colder months, yet that doesn’t mean its upkeep should be neglected! Regular maintenance helps your unit remain efficient while prolonging its lifespan and avoiding unexpected breakdowns; our summer maintenance checklist can assist in keeping it in tip-top condition!
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Check Your Water Heater For Leaks
One of the initial steps in maintaining your water heater should include inspecting it for any signs of leaks around its tank, pipes, and connections. Leaks often occur due to corrosion or loose connections, causing even small drips of water to escape. If left unaddressed, even small leaks can quickly lead to increased bills and structural problems. If any signs of leakage arise, it would be advisable to consult professional services. Search Plumber Houston Yelp to identify the experts near you.
Check Your Temperature And Pressure Relief (TPR) Valve
Your TPR valve is an integral component that prevents excess pressure from building in your tank, so regular testing during summer maintenance should ensure its correct working order. To do this, raise its lever slightly so some water flows freely out before you release the lever – any further flow or no water at all coming out after this test may indicate replacement needs; performing such simple tests could save both money and lives in future repairs!
Adjust Thermostat Settings
To save energy and minimize the risk of scalding during summer months, try setting your water heater thermostat between 120degF and 130degF; this setting usually ensures sufficient hot water while simultaneously decreasing energy use and overheating that can wear away its components over time. Lowering its temperature also decreases the overheating risk that could wear down its components over time – giving a substantial return in terms of savings as well.
Flush Your Tank
Sediment and mineral build-up at the bottom of a water heater tank can decrease efficiency, damage heating elements over time, and compromise its proper functioning. Flushing it periodically can rid itself of this build-up to keep everything operating optimally simply follow these steps:
Make sure that the power source (electric water heaters) or gas valve is set to “pilot.” Attach a garden hose and direct its end towards a drain or outdoor space. Open the drain valve. Allow time for everything to empty from your tank before closing it again and opening it fully.
Close and remove the drain valve before reconnecting your water source to refill your tank with freshwater. For optimal performance and longevity of your water heater, flushing its tank every year or six months (in hard water areas) is necessary for longevity and efficiency.
Check Your Anode Rod
An anode rod plays an essential part in keeping a water heater from corrosion by drawing minerals and sediments out of solution that would otherwise harm it. Over time, however, its condition deteriorates, necessitating regular checks as part of summer maintenance. When less than half an inch thick or covered in calcium deposits with exposed core wire, it should be changed out; doing this may extend its lifetime significantly.
Insulate Your Tank And Pipes
Although insulation may seem more appropriate in wintertime, water heater insulation and its pipes can still prove invaluable in summer. Insulation of both tank and pipes reduces heat loss to maintain desired water temperatures without constant reheating. In contrast, pipe insulation prevents condensation that causes corrosion or mold growth on humid summer days. These are easy DIY tasks for which you can find materials in most hardware stores.
Assess Your Water Heater’s Performance
While out and about this summer, be mindful to regularly observe how well your water heater performs. Any strange noises, sudden temperature drops or fluctuating pressure could indicate signs that require immediate attention – early intervention could prevent major repairs costs down the line!
Conclusion
Water heater maintenance during the summer season is vital to ensuring optimal system performance year-round. By following our summer maintenance checklist, you can avoid costly repairs, reduce energy usage, and extend your system’s lifespan. Should any issues arise that require professional assistance beyond your expertise, Plumber Houston Yelp provides reliable plumbers in your area who can keep your water heater performing at its peak performance levels. Maintenance not only protects the water heater but also ensures an uninterrupted supply of hot water when needed, giving you peace of mind year-round!