Your water heater may not be one of the appliances that stay at the top of your mind, but once it becomes faulty, it can prove to be an incredible inconvenience for your entire household. Nevertheless, not many people know what maintenance measures they should carry out to prolong the longevity of their water heater while enhancing its overall efficiency. Below are some of the maintenance tips that you could employ for your water heater.
Routinely flush the heater's tank
One of the easiest ways to improve the efficiency of your water heater is to have the tank routinely flushed. This is especially important with an older water heater. Over time, sediment can begin to build up within the tank. When this sediment is left in place, it solidifies, forming larger particles, which then begin to bang against the interior of your water heater. This will eventually lead to damages to the interior of the tank. By flushing the tank on a routine basis, you ensure that the heater is exclusively heating water and not particulate matter too.
Keep the tank and piping insulated
Another tip to enhancing the efficiency of your water tank is to invest in insulation. One thing some people do not realise is that the water can lose its heat as it passes through the pipes. In addition to this, hot water that is left in the tank will cool if not used. Reheating it causes additional utility costs. By investing in insulation, you ensure that heated water in the tank will stay hot for much longer. Moreover, insulated pipes will also decrease the chances of the water cooling down as it is being transported around your household. One of the easiest and economical ways of insulating your tank and pipes is by using insulating blankets.
Routinely test the tank's TPR valve
The TPR valve is a component that is tasked with ensuring that the pressure and the temperatures within the water heater are regulated. As such, it is one of the essential safety features that your heater comes with. This is why it is prudent to ensure that it is in good working condition at all times. To test your TPR valve, all you would have to do is open the lever located on the water heater. If the valve is working, water will begin to gush out of the tank's discharge pipe. ON the other hand, if water does not come from the discharge pipe, it could mean that the TPR valve has acquired damage and would need the attention of a professional contractor or hot water service.
