Prolong the Life of Your Water Heater Through Proper Maintenance
In our modern life, water heaters are becoming a necessity in our homes. Therefore, it is vital for you to give proper maintenance to your water heater if you want top-notch services from your heater for years. All you need to do is basic maintenance measures, which will save you on repairs and replacement to be made on your heater.
Signs that you’re Heater Requires to have service
In the event that water from your heater has a foul smell, sediments or a strange color then this shows that your heater needs cleaning. When the efficiency of your water heater decreases, it’s also a clear indication that it requires a maintenance check. If you do not maintain your water heater, it can lead to an increase in your energy bills.
Your water heater has an anode rod which is a very important part. When the anode rod has water that is orange in color beneath the rod, it shows that its replacement is paramount. Do not wait until your heater gives out water with rust or it falls down due to rust before you actually call a plumber.
Proper maintenance of your water heater will allow you to be able to save your money in a different way, this includes:
- Increasing your heater’s lifespan
- It ensures efficient energy use
- You can be able to avoid the necessity of buying a new heater
Common Problems with Your Heater and their Solutions
Corrosion of the anode rod is a common problem for old water heaters. It is therefore recommended that you check the rod after a few months for any signs of corrosion replacing it if it’s necessary. Sediments and minerals buildup is another major problem for your heater.
Sediments that accumulate at the bottom of your heater can be dealt with by cleaning the heater using a garden hose and a brush. Scrub out all the sediments and then using a garden hose, flush the sediments away. It is advised that you clean your heater at least once in twelve months. In case you are using hard water frequently, cleaning is essential as sediments buildup in the heater faster. Flushing the heater with water after a few months helps to keep it clean.
You can also have your water heater providing too hot or too cold water, adjusting the thermostat will fix this problem. Leaks from your heater can cause a lot of damage. It is therefore a wise decision to call a plumber and have him identify and fix the source of the leak.
Signs that Your Water Heater needs replacement
Considering the age of your water heater is one of the easiest ways you can use to consider replacing your heater or not. For instance, a heater operating with gas has a lifespan of 8 to 12 years; the electric heater has a lifespan of up to 15 years of efficient service. Tankless water heaters are said to have a longer lifespan of service when you compare them to electric water heaters.
In the event that you notice moisture at the base of your heater, have a plumber look at it so that they can determine whether it needs a repair or a replacement. If your heater is giving out rusty water, then this shows that it is rusted and needs a replacement. When your heater decreases in its efficiency, you will need to replace it.
When you are deciding on a new heater, choose one that is able to meet up with your family needs. This is important considering the many different types of water heater that are in the market. It is beneficial for you to be aware of the different types of water heaters and circulation systems that are available in the market.
Types of Water Heaters and Water Recirculation Systems
There are two types of water heaters that are mainly in use; that is the tankless water heaters and the conventional storage heaters. The modern storage heaters are eco-friendly; they have safety features and are more efficient. They are able to serve for years if they are properly maintained. Flush the heater once in a year, check its anode rod from time to time thus ensuring that, your modern storage-style water heater is always in a good condition.
A tankless water heater has a lot of benefits, for instance; a lesser space requirement, lower energy cost, an endless supply of hot water and a longer lifespan than the storage type water heaters. Ensure that you choose a tankless heater of an appropriate size in order to be able to get the desired results. Installing a softener would be ideal, if not annual descaling will be necessary.
Installation of water recirculation systems is necessary to ensure that, hot water can reach distant fixtures within the house with ease. They are in three different types; that is retrofit-by-pass, demand system and conventional. Water from the distant fixture in the house can easily reach the heater as the traditional water recirculation system has an extra pipe. With the use of a pump, water can be pushed in to and out of the heater through the use of the return pipe.
For a retrofit-by-pass, its cold water line is utilized as the return pipe. Have your water recirculation system working in the same fashion as the retrofit-by-pass system, making use of the cold water line as the return line. In this particular case, a wireless remote is used to make the pump start when hot water is required. This kind of system will work quite well with a tankless water heater.
Maintenance of your water heater is vital in ensuring that you get trouble-free service for years. This is regardless of the type of water circulation system or the water heater.