Tips for Taking Care of Your Water Heater
Your water heater is one of those things you do not think about until it breaks and the last thing you need is for it to go on the fritz. Not only is it annoying to not have hot water when you need and want it, but water heater repair can be costly. However, there are a number of steps that you can take in order to reduce your need for such an expenditure. While these tips will not prevent the eventual need for a new water heater, they will allow you to keep your water heater for its entire 10 to 15 year lifespan. If you ever do need water heater repair, the professionals at New Age Plumbing can help you out.
Routine Maintenance
One of the best ways to reduce your need for water heater repair is to have it serviced regularly. Someone with a trained eye may be able to catch and fix small problems before they turn into large ones. In addition to looking over your unit, a technician should come out and flush the sediment from your traditional tank water heater twice a year. Sediment is material that settles at the bottom of water after it has been broken down by erosion or weathering. It can affect the storage capacity of the tank and cause it to overheat. The technician should also check your water heater’s pressure relief valve, which is a key safety feature that is used when water is heated, as it expands, and the excess pressure must be released. That is where the valve comes in. Relief valves can leak or corrode which can cause them to malfunction and could possibly lead to additional damage. Catching any leaks or corrosion early can save you both time and money.
Proper Temperature Control
Another thing that needs to be done is that someone should check the temperature setting a few times each year. It should be set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. If you set it any higher, you will not only see an increase in your utility bill, you will also be working your hot water heater harder, and you will be more likely to need water heater repairs or a total replacement sooner.
What to Check Before You Call for Water Heater Repair
If you find yourself with little to no hot water, before you call for water heater repair check the fuse box if you have an electric heater and the pilot light if it is gas. If you cannot get it to come back on through either of these methods, then go ahead and call for service. Also, if you have a gas powered heater, be sure that you have proper ventilation and that it is in working condition. If the ventilation is not working properly, toxic byproducts could be invading the air in your home.
If you are in need of water heater repair and are in the El Paso area, contact New Age Plumbing. They have been keeping showers hot since 2005.