Unlike refrigerators or other appliances that are used directly in a commercial space, water heaters play a somewhat indirect role. Because of this, they may be forgotten about until there is a problem. Prevent expensive repairs and help your water heater last with the tips below.  

Steps to Keep Your Water Heater in Fantastic Condition

1. Get It Drained

Schedule the draining and flushing of your water heater once a year to remove sediment and silt buildup. Turn off the appliance and let it sit for about 24 hours to prevent scalding issues. Further help the technician by placing a five-gallon bucket under the heater’s cold water valve. This will be used to drain the appliance until the water runs clear, indicating it is free of sediment.

2. Have the Anode Rod Checked

Check the anode rod every year or two with help from a licensed plumber in light of your home’s water quality. This sacrificial rod attracts copper, brass, and other corrosive elements to keep your water heater tank liner from rusting prematurely. Eventually, the rod requires replacing to maintain clear, great-tasting, odor-free water.

3. Schedule Inspections

Get your gas water heater inspected periodically for soot or charred metal, which indicate a combustion issue. If you smell gas, your plumber will tell you to turn off the gas line immediately and call your utility company. Also, they’ll look for rust streaks if you have an electric water heater to help determine if the appliance is leaking.

4. Keep the Surrounding Area Clear

Keep the area around your water heater clean in the event of a leak and to prevent it from becoming a fire hazard. If you have a gas unit, this ensures the appliance receives sufficient oxygen to avoid burner chamber damage among other issues. Ask your plumber for clearance recommendations if necessary.

5. Request Tank & Pipe Insulation

Insulate your water heater tank and pipes with an insulating blanket and foam pipe insulation, respectively. Quality insulation prevents the appliance from having to work harder and subsequently lowers your utility bills. After insulating your pipes ask your plumber to adjust the temperature to save even more money in utility costs and prevent injuries from scalding water.

Whether you have a gas, electric, or tankless water heater, you can count on the experienced team at Bernie Buchner. to provide the repair and replacement services you need. The family-owned company has proudly served the La Crosse, WI, area since 1952 and will complete the above steps to increase the lifespan of your appliance. Call (608) 784-9000 to schedule an appointment today or visit the website for more service info. Follow the team on Twitter for additional home improvement tips.