Water heaters play a vital role by providing the hot water you need for bathing, washing clothes, and more. Like any other appliance, yearly preventive routine maintenance is essential if you wish to avoid unnecessary water heater repair problems. These best practices can also improve your unit’s energy efficiency, helping you save on your utility bills in the months and years ahead.

How to Maintain Your Water Heater

1. Drain Sediment Regularly

Over time, sediment buildup will occur inside the water heater tank. This can make the unit less efficient, forcing it to work harder to heat the water and shortening its lifespan. A few times a year, turn off the system’s cold water supply, and then open the drain valve to drain water out of the tank.

Make sure you have a hose or bucket handy so water doesn’t just spill on the floor. The water will initially look cloudy, as sediment is present. Keep draining the tank until water runs clear.

2. Insulate External Pipes

The pipes leading from your water heater to your house typically aren’t insulated. As a result, heat can be lost as it travels to your water fixtures. This often causes homeowners to turn up their system’s setting or to run the hot water for longer—both of which waste energy. Wrapping the pipes in 3/8 inch foam insulation will prevent heat loss and condensation buildup.

3. Adjust Thermostat Settings

You probably don’t need to keep your unit’s thermostat as high as you do. Turning down the temperature will help you save energy and extend your system’s lifespan. Keep the dial at 120 degrees or below to maximize efficiency and reduce the risk of scalding when using hot water. When leaving on vacation, adjust your unit to its lowest setting.

For water heater repairs, count on Nobles Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Services in Mason, OH. This plumbing contractor draws on years of industry experience to deliver quality repair and maintenance work, and can also provide installations of top brands like American Standard® and Kohler®. To learn more about their services, visit them online or call (513) 237-1781.