Hot running water and the ability to take a long, steamy bath or shower is one of the most luxurious modern conveniences. However, to ensure that luxury is available, you need to spend a few minutes each year maintaining your water heater. Below, King's Plumbing, the drain cleaning and water heater repair specialists in West Chester, OH, tell you how to do it. The steps are not difficult and take only a few minutes, but the result is a longer life and better fuel economy for your water heater.

How to Maintain Your Water Heater

1. Test the Pressure Relief Valve

The pressure relief valve is a safety mechanism designed to vent some of the water when your tank exceeds a certain pressure. This prevents the possibility of the tank bursting and causing injuries or property damage. To make sure it is functional, simply place a bucket below the discharge pipe and lift the lever marked 'Discharge Valve' on the side of your tank. Hot water should pour out. If it does not, the valve needs replacement. Contact a water heater repair professional for help.

2. Drain Sediment From the Tank

Sediment can collect in the bottom of your tank over time, damaging the lining and acting as an insulator between the heating element and the water. This wastes fuel and causes your heater to work harder than it should.

To drain the sediment, shut off the cold-water supply line and release the tank pressure by opening the hot water tap at any sink. Attach a hose to the drain valve of the tank, open the valve, and let water drain into a bucket until you no longer see sediment. Open the cold-water supply valve and shut off the hot water tap at the sink.

3. Replace the Immersion Element

The immersion element is a thin metal rod inside your tank that attracts the corrosive elements in the water. It essentially sacrifices itself to prevent corrosion from happening to your tank liner. Follow the steps above and drain the hot water from the tank.

Shut off the electric power to the tank, remove the access cover, test the element wires with a voltmeter to make sure they are not live, and detach the wires once they carry no current. Unscrew the element with a wrench. Replace it with a new element and tighten with the wrench. Lastly, reattach the element wires, shut the panel, and return power to the tank.

To schedule a water heater repair or replacement, or to hire a plumber to handle the yearly maintenance tasks above, contact King's Plumbing in West Chester, OH. They offer 24-hour emergency service throughout Greater Cincinnati, so they can be there in a flash if something goes critically wrong with your plumbing. Visit their website to request an appointment or call (513) 683-9935 to discuss your needs with a friendly professional.