Tankless water heaters, electric water heaters, traditional tank water heaters, and gas water heaters—aside from their role in your home's plumbing system—what links them all together? They all require regular maintenance to ensure proper function and efficiency. Poorly maintained water heaters can end up costing you in the long run due to sediment buildup, clogs, rust, and more. The unit ends up working harder to create the hot water you need after a day out in the cold Vancouver rain, sleet, or snow.
Nothing is worse than turning on the shower or running a bath, only to be met with ice-cold water. Our local Vancouver plumbers from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver have come up with some water heater maintenance tips Vancouver homeowners can use to ensure their heaters are running smoothly all year round.
Hot water heater maintenance is key to improving its lifespan. While these units can reach up to 20 years, sediment buildup, corrosion, and improperly set thermostats can drastically decrease their longevity. Our quick guide to water heater maintenance will help extend the life of your water heater and save you money in the long run. While you can always count on our professionals to create a maintenance routine, keep reading for the six easy water heater maintenance tips Vancouver homeowners should know.
Water Maintenance Tips: A Vancouver Homeower’s Guide
Perform Regular Inspections
Performing regular inspections of your water heater is the first maintenance task you can employ to maintain your water heater. Taking this step will help ensure that you catch any of the common issues that can plague water heaters. You'll want to keep your eyes out for signs of corrosion, strange sounds, and leaks from the water heater tank. Near the bottom of the tank, listen for the sound of water flowing where there shouldn't be; there could even be some puddles. You can also keep an eye out for rust or any signs of deterioration on the unit itself. Also, ensure the area is clear of any flammable objects. For tankless water heaters, inspect the heat exchanger and pipes for scale buildup and leaks.
Check Those Temperature Settings
To get all that wonderful hot water, we recommend that you regularly check the temperature settings to ensure they are set to the correct temperature. It is key to keeping your water heater running efficiently and your supply of hot water reliable. You need to set your water heater to 50°C (120°F) to prevent scalding, minimize energy consumption, and reduce mineral buildup. You can use an external thermometer to test the water temperature and ensure you have no heat loss, as well as an accurate temperature gauge.
Flushing and Descaling Advice
As your water heater is running, it slowly creates buildup in the tank or hoses, and it's up to you, or our professionals, to drain it out. We're lucky that Vancouver doesn't have particularly hard water, so you typically won't have to do this too often. It's important to turn off the gas and power, allow the water to cool, then connect a garden hose to the drain valve and direct it to a floor drain or outside. This will help remove sediment buildup, minimize corrosion inside your water heater, and maximize the lifespan of your unit. Just wait for that water from the tank to run clear, and you're done. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your water heater running smoothly, and flushing the tank is a major part of that. On top of this water heater maintenance tip, we highly recommend hiring an experienced professional to carry out the flushing process. This is to avoid scalding hot water burns.
Pressure Relief Valve Maintenance
The temperature-pressure relief valve, or TPR valve, stops water pressure from building up inside the tank of your water heater. It can be dangerous if faulty, causing your system to burst, causing potential harm to you, and water damage to your home. Ensure it is working correctly by carefully lifting the lever partway and letting it snap back. You should hear the water supply being released into the drain tube. However, if the water continues to flow after you have released the lever, the TPR valve is likely faulty, and a professional should be called in to replace it.
Check the Anode Rod
Part of basic water heater maintenance is checking the anode rod inside your hot water tank. It protects your tank from developing rust, which can impact efficiency. The anode rod is a replaceable part of your system, and it should be replaced at least every two years. Doing so will drastically increase your unit's lifespan and improve its efficiency. Replace the rod if you see corrosion or rust, if it's much thinner than it used to be, or if your water has a metallic taste or smell.
Monitor the Water Quality
Test and monitor the water quality in your home. Your water heater provides hot water throughout; if you start to notice it has a funny taste or smell, it could be an issue with your water heater. A proper water heater will provide reliable hot water when you need it; gas or electricity-based models alike are an important factor in your home's overall water quality. The water inside your unit could contain bacteria and have an increased pH level. Call a professional, and while they're servicing your water heater, ask them to do a water health check; they will ensure the pH levels and bacteria levels of your water are within a normal range.
Is Your Water Heater Running Poorly? Let Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver Help with Water Heater Services!
We hope you enjoyed our six easy water heater maintenance tips. Vancouver residents can drastically improve the functionality, efficiency, and longevity of their units with a water heater maintenance guide. Use it as a maintenance checklist, and you'll avoid common water heater issues and know that your water heater is working properly. However, even with regular maintenance, problems with water heaters, like sediment buildup in the tank, power issues, and leaks, can still occur.
For all your water heater needs—replacement, installation, repairs, and maintenance—trust Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver. We can help provide routine maintenance and repairs that will keep your hot water heater running for years to come. We provide reliable plumbing solutions in Killarney, Mount Pleasant, North Vancouver, Renfrew Heights, South Cambie, Victoria-Fraserview, and West Side Vancouver.
Contact us today to schedule your next service and ensure your water heater operates efficiently with our water heater services.
