To install a new water heater, you will need to spend between $823 and $1,619. This is money that you could put toward something else.
Thus, what can you do to prevent yourself from having to buy a new boiler?
Create a water heater maintenance checklist and regularly service your boiler. It will save you a lot of money and stress. But you will need to know how to maintain your water heater.
As you make your way through this guide, you will learn why you should not neglect water heater servicing. Then, you will find a 4-point water heater preventive maintenance checklist on tasks to perform when servicing a conventional water heater.
Not checking your water heater regularly for issues can lead to significant problems, even fatal accidents. For example, a family of 4 in Ohio perished due to a carbon monoxide leak from their water heater.
On top of that, inspecting your water heater will help you spot potential issues before they become a problem. For example, when checking your heater, you may find an issue with your anode rod. We will cover more information on this point in a second.
A malfunctioning water heater will cost you a lot of money in the long run, and lead to potential accidents if they’re not checked. Thus, you will want to follow this 4-point water heater maintenance checklist to understand what to look out for.
Your water heater’s anode rod, or sacrificial anode, acts as a means to prevent the water inside of your boiler’s tank from corroding. If these steel tubes suffer from too much damage, they cannot protect your tank anymore. As a result, your water heater’s tank lining will corrode faster.
You will find these tubes on the top of your water heater. Also, they are usually also made of magnesium, aluminum, or zinc. In case you are wondering, aluminum anode rods last the longest, which will also save you the most money.
Anode rods typically last between 3 and 5 years. If your tank has cracks, then more oxygen will flow into your tank, which will further reduce the rod’s lifespan.
A sign that will tell you whether this rod is bad is when your water has a metallic taste.
If you do not know how to tell whether your anode tube is bad, or if you need help replacing it, we recommend contacting a local plumbing specialist.
Water heaters containing large concentrations of sediment can reduce the efficiency of your water heater and its lifespan. Moreover, with reduced efficiency, your boiler will need to work harder to heat your water, thus using more energy.
First, drain your water heater at least a couple of times per year. Then, flush your tank a couple of times with clean water to wash out the remaining debris and sediment.
You may also want to consider installing a whole-home water filter and softener. These will reduce contaminants and future sediment accumulation.
All water heaters have pressure and temperature relief valves. These devices release excess pressure and temperature, which prevents your tank from exploding. While it is a rare occurrence, it can still happen because of factors like a damaged or blocked valve.
You will want to inspect your pressure release valve at least once a year. When checking your heater, you will first want to:
If you do not notice anything coming from your valve, that is a sign of a serious issue. You will want to immediately reach out to a local plumbing contractor and have them inspect your boiler.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, plumbing leaks account for over 10,000 gallons of wasted water each year. This wasted water does not only affect your water bill, but it may also serve as a culprit about why your water heater is not as efficient as usual.
Thus, you will want to inspect your water boiler at least twice a year.
What should you look out for?
Check the room around your water heater for loose bolts, nuts, screws, and water damage. The water damage will tell you there is a leak. Whereas, the nuts and bolts may say there is an issue with your tank’s structure.
Also, inspect your water tank for pooled water, or signs of corrosion or rust.
If you notice loose fittings, secure them immediately. Whereas, if you notice leaks, rust, or corrosion, contact a plumbing specialist.
Do you have a conventional water heater that you need to repair or replace? Learn more about Broussard’s water heater services in Nashville, Tennessee, and Biloxi, Mississippi.
