Early Spring – Extend the Life of Your Water Heater with Simple Maintenance

Posted on by FiveTalent

Benefits Summary:

  • Extend the life of your water heater.
  • Reduce energy costs.

A little effort goes a long way toward extending the life of your water heater and unlike some home projects, these checks can be performed with nothing more than a bucket and a flathead screwdriver!

TEST THE TPR (Temperature Pressure Release) VALVE:

  1. Shut off the power and water supply.
  2. Place a bucket under the valve.
  3. Lift the valve to release water then let go.
    A working pressure release valve will stop when the valve is closed. If water continues to flow, drain the tank partway, remove the defective valve and replace it with a new one.

REMOVE SEDIMENT TRAPPED IN THE TANK

  1. Shut off the power and water supply.
  2. Drain the tank entirely.
  3. Briefly open the cold water supply valve.
  4. Drain and repeat until clean water drains from the tank.
  5. Close the drain, refill the tank, and turn the power back on.
    Sediment trapped inside your water tank increases the deterioration of your unit.

ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE

  1. Locate the thermostat.
  2. Use a flathead screwdriver to set the temperature to 120Ā°.
  3. Turn the water heater off or to the lowest setting if you plan to be away for more than three days.
    Every 10Ā° the thermostat is lowered can result in up to 5% savings in energy costs.

These three simple steps can extend the life of your water-heating unit. If scheduling or priorities make it impossible for you to perform these tasks, consider hiring a certified professional to service and maintain your water heater.

Water Heater Maintenance Professionals