If your appliance has a warranty, it is best to refer to the manual to determine if there is a section for DIY maintenance and care. Some warranties include service work for parts and appliances, depending on the brand and company it’s purchased through. Get these types of details at the time of purchase so you are prepared when the time comes for routine water heater service.
How to Maintenance a Water Heater
It is highly recommended to call a licensed Indianapolis water heater plumber to service water heaters and other plumbing appliances in your home. As mentioned before, these are complicated systems that require the attention of a skilled and knowledgeable professional. It can be tricky learning how to repair a water heater on your own. Even if you have some experience in the field, it is beneficial to consult a licensed expert for assistance. This can reduce the amount of costly replacements and potential repairs.
A licensed water heater technician should drain and flush the hot water tank one time every year. This can eliminate sediment buildup and avoid costly repairs. Sediment buildup can cause corrosion, rust, and foul smelling water. There are many other important areas that a professional will inspect during a water heater service job. This includes the temperature and pressure relief valve (T&PR valve), the anode rod, the water tank, the thermocouple or pilot control valve, the thermostat, and much more.
Additional Maintenance Tips:
☑ Always keep at least 2 feet of clearance around the hot water heater, unless the manual tells you otherwise.
☑ Drain the water heater tank a quarter of the way once every year to eliminate sediment buildup. This should be performed by a professional.
☑ Adjust the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees. For every 10 degrees you lower the temperature, you can save up to 5% in energy costs.
☑ Check the water pressure. If it is above 80 psi (code maximum), you should have a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) installed by a professional.
☑ Set the Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) between 50 and 60 psi to protect your other appliances.
☑ If you have a closed plumbing system, you will need to have an expansion tank installed to prevent water heater damage. In fact, plumbing codes require this, and always have.