Hot water is essential for comfort, especially during those long winter months. A reliable water heater ensures we have warm showers, clean dishes, and cozy homes when temperatures drop.
However, like any home appliance, water heaters require regular upkeep. With a little bit of attention, you can easily extend the lifespan of your water heater and avoid costly replacements.
This blog will walk you through straightforward water heater maintenance tips that anyone can handle. Let’s take a look at the steps, strategies, and insider knowledge you need to make your water heater last for years to come.
Why Water Heater Maintenance Matters
Routine water heater maintenance isn’t just a “nice-to-have” practice; it’s essential for several reasons. Water heaters are complex systems that manage both heat and water pressure.
Over time, minerals in the water such as calcium and magnesium, settle as sediment inside your tank. This buildup can lead to clogs, corrosion, and even total system failure if left unchecked.
Regular maintenance can help you:
- Save on energy bills: A maintained water heater works more efficiently saving you money.
- Avoid expensive repairs: Fixing minor issues before they escalate can prevent costly repairs.
- Extend its lifespan: A well-maintained water heater will last longer sparing you from premature replacements.
In short, investing a small amount of time and effort in water heater maintenance can lead to substantial savings.
Know Your Water Heater’s Basics
Before jumping into maintenance, let’s look at the two main types of water heaters found in Canadian homes:
1. Tank-Style Water Heaters
These heaters store water in a large tank, heating it with a gas burner or electric elements. Because they have a set amount of hot water ready, they’re great for families needing instant hot water.
2. Tankless Water Heaters
Also known as on-demand water heaters, tankless systems heat water only when needed. While they save space and energy, they can be sensitive to mineral buildup and may require regular descaling.
Knowing your water heater type helps you apply the right maintenance techniques and gives you a better understanding of what to look out for.
Step-by-Step Water Heater Maintenance Tips
Check The Temperature Setting
An easy yet essential step for water heater maintenance is ensuring the temperature setting is just right. Most water heaters are set to around 140°F by default but lowering it to 120°F can make a difference.
It reduces the risk of scalding and lowers energy consumption. Also, lower temperatures reduce the strain on your water heater.
Inspect The Pressure Relief Valve
The temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve is a crucial safety feature on your water heater. It releases excess pressure to prevent explosions, so you’ll want to check this valve annually.
To check the TPR valve:
- Turn off the power and shut off the cold water supply.
- Place a bucket underneath the discharge pipe connected to the TPR valve.
- Lift the valve’s lever slightly to let a small amount of water flow, then release it.
If water continues to flow after you release the valve, it’s likely defective and should be replaced. Regularly checking the TPR valve is a small step that can prevent large problems.
Flush The Tank To Remove Sediment
Sediment buildup is one of the biggest threats to a water heater’s efficiency and lifespan.
The minerals in hard water form deposits in the tank, reducing its capacity, and making it work harder to heat water by flushing the tank at least once a year, you can prevent buildup and increase efficiency.
How to Flush Your Water Heater Tank
- Turn off the water heater and shut off the cold water supply.
- Attach a hose to the drain valve and place the other end outside or near a drain.
- Open the drain valve and let the water and sediment flow out.
- Refill the tank once the water runs clear, then turn the power back on.
Inspect The Anode Rod
The anode rod is a metal rod placed inside tank-style water heaters to attract corrosive elements preventing rust from forming in the tank. However, an anode rod itself corrodes over time and needs checking every 2-3 years.
Here’s how to inspect it:
- Turn off the water heater and cold water supply.
- Unscrew the anode rod at the top of the tank.
- Inspect for heavy corrosion (over 50% of the rod’s thickness), which means it should be replaced.
Replacing a corroded anode rod can add years to your water heater’s life by reducing the risk of rust and tank corrosion.
Insulate the Tank and Pipes
For colder regions like Canada, insulating your water heater and pipes can reduce energy costs and improve efficiency. Insulation helps keep the water temperature stable, so your heater doesn’t need to work as hard.
For this, you can use a water heater blanket available at most hardware stores. Wrap the pipes with pipe insulation to prevent heat loss. Make sure to avoid covering the TPR valve or thermostat when insulating the tank.
Inspect And Test The Heating Elements
If you own an electric water heater, it’s equipped with heating elements responsible for warming the water. Over time, these elements can wear out or become less effective.
To test the heating elements:
- Turn off the power to the heater and remove access panels.
- Use a multimeter to test for continuity.
- Replace any faulty elements if they’re not working properly.
Testing and maintaining the heating elements ensures your water heater remains efficient reducing the need for frequent replacements.
About Us
At Nor-Can Heating & Air, we’re committed to providing high-quality heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions across Edmonton.
Our expert team specializes in installation, maintenance, and repair services tailored to your unique needs. We handle everything related to HVAC, whether it is furnace repair, water heater maintenance, or HVAC emergencies.
Contact us today for any of your heating and cooling needs and experience the difference firsthand!
