5 Water Heater Maintenance Tips

How to Improve the Longevity of Your North Charleston Home's Water Heater

Having a properly functioning water heater is essential for any North Charleston home. Not only does it provide hot water to your shower and sinks, but it also helps with other household needs such as laundry and dishwashing. A well-maintained water heater can last up to 10 years or more if taken care of correctly, so regular maintenance is key to ensuring its longevity.

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Charleston, we are dedicated to helping our customers stay informed about their plumbing needs by providing them with various educational resources. It's our goal to educate you in order to better understand and resolve issues you might be experiencing with your water heater. Our North Charleston plumbers are always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your home's plumbing system.

1. Check the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

The temperature and pressure relief valve on a water heater is an important preventative measure against potentially dangerous conditions. This valve opens to release steam or hot water when the temperature or pressure inside the water heater exceeds a predetermined level. It is designed to automatically open to reduce the risk of explosions from high pressure or overheating.

These conditions can be caused by:

• A faulty heating element
• A malfunctioning dip tube
• A malfunctioning thermostat
• Excessive demand for hot water
• Sediment build up in the tank

Regularly checking this valve to ensure it is functioning correctly can help ensure that your home’s water heater is operating safely and prevent a potentially dangerous issue.

2. Inspect Plumbing Connections

It is important to routinely inspect your water heater's plumbing connections in order to ensure that all fixtures and components are functioning properly. Loose or broken plumbing can lead to leaks, which can cause significant water damage to your home. A weak connection could produce insufficient pressure, causing the water heater to run inefficiently and potentially leading to overheating or over pressurization of the unit.

Furthermore, corroded or outdated plumbing connections may result in inadequate hot water supply due to poor flow rates. If you ever notice any leaks or loose fittings on your water heater and the surrounding plumbing, you should have a professional inspect it right away.

3. Ensure Proper Ventilation

Properly ventilated water heaters are essential for the safety and efficiency of your North Charleston home's plumbing system. Without adequate ventilation, dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide can accumulate in the area around the water heater and be released into the living space of your home. This can cause serious health risks or even death for inhabitants if inhaled.

Furthermore, insufficient air circulation can cause condensation and moisture accumulation within the tank, leading to corrosion and other structural damage over time. It’s important to keep your water heater properly ventilated by installing an efficient exhaust system that is up to code with local regulations.

4. Monitor Your Water Heater’s Efficiency

If your water heater is more than ten years old, you may want to invest in a newer one. Modern water heaters offer several impressive benefits that make them superior to traditional models. They are more energy efficient and consume less electricity or gas to produce the same amount of hot water.

Besides better efficiency, other benefits of upgrading your water heater includes:

• Precise temperature controls
• Updated safety features, such as thermal fuses
• Small, compact size
• Longevity and durable construction

Investing in a newer, more efficient water heater can save you money in the long run by lowering your energy bills and reducing repair costs, so keep an eye on your aging unit for any issues.

5. Invest in Regular Water Heater Maintenance

Having a plumber inspect your water heater on a regular basis is one of the best ways to ensure that it functions properly for years to come. There are many aspects of water heater maintenance that are best left to a professional, such as inspecting the anode rod or flushing out sediment.

Have Your Anode Rod Inspected

The anode rod is an important part of many water heaters. It is made from a metal, such as aluminum or magnesium, and is responsible for protecting the inside of the tank from corrosive effects caused by the minerals in hard water. By having your water heater’s anode inspected and replaced as needed, you can extend the lifespan of the unit.

Have Your Water Heater Flushed at Least Once a Year

Flushing out sediment build up from your water heater is another critical maintenance step that should not be overlooked. Sediment builds up over time when minerals and dissolved solids accumulate in the tank, reducing the efficiency of the heater and potentially leading to corrosion.

Count On

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Charleston for Water Heater Installation, Maintenance, and Repairs

Our courteous plumbers are capable of assisting you with all of your water heater installation, maintenance, and repair needs in North Charleston. We’ll help you extend the lifespan of your water heater, replace parts like the anode rode as needed, and can recommend a new unit when the time comes to replace your old one.

Our courteous North Charleston plumbing professionals are capable of assisting you with all of your water heater maintenance and repair needs. Request a job estimate or call us today to schedule your next service appointment.