Lots Going on This Summer? Don't Forget the Water Heater – Sobieski Services | DE, NJ, PA, MD

Lots Going on This Summer? Don’t Forget the Water Heater

Summer is here and you are likely quite busy, yet maintenance is important to keep your home appliances and equipment running smoothly. Your water heater may be easier to overlook in the warm months, yet a small investment of time and money will increase your heater’s efficiency and lifespan.

Water heater maintenance can be completed by a professional or by homeowners. Insulating the outside of the tank and setting the water temperature to a safe setting only needs to be done once. These two adjustments alone can save you as much as 9 percent on your annual water heating costs. Other maintenance issues should be completed one to two times each year and include:

  • Checking the pressure valve – This can be done by disconnecting the power source to the heater, closing the water inlet, then pulling the trip lever on the valve while holding a bucket below to catch escaping water. If you do not hear air and/or water escaping from the valve, it needs to be replaced.
  • Flushing the tank – Disconnect the power source and close the water inlet, then attach a garden hose to the tank’s drain valve and place the end of the hose in a location where the scalding water will not cause damage. With the pressure valve open, completely drain the tank to remove as much sediment as possible. Once drained, removed the hose, close the drain and pressure valves and re-open the water inlet. Finally, open each hot water spigot in your home and leave each open until water begins to flow through each spigot.
  • Checking the anode rod for rust and excessive wear – By replacing a worn out anode rod, you will be protecting the inside of your water heater from rust and will extend its life substantially.

Here at Sobieski Services, our goal is to help educate our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC & plumbing systems). If you would like more information about maintaining your water heater, give us a call today!

Photo Credit: bibliojojo via Compfight cc

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