Is your water heater making loud, rumbling noises? Do your showers run out of hot water, or take forever for water to heat up?
These are all tell-tale signs that your water heater needs some TLC. To keep your water heater running smoothly, check out these simple maintenance tips.
Tip #1: Remove Sediment by Draining the Tank
Sediment known as calcium carbonate collects at the bottom of a water tank over time. If you’re going to select only one tip to implement at home for your water heater, this is the one.
Most water heaters should be emptied at least once a year. If you live in an area with harder water, you may need to do this more frequently.
That rumbling noise you hear every time your tank tries to heat water is a result of hardened water sediment. This is not only damaging to your system, it also is less efficient making for cold showers and higher utility bills.
Depending on how much sediment you have in your tank, you may need to drain all the sitting hot water first, and then turn on the cold water supply a few times to rinse out any remaining sediment. Your job is done when the water from the tank is clear and free of debris.
Tip #2: Adjust the Temperature
When adjusting water heater temperature, you don’t want it too hot, or too cold, but rather just right. So what’s just right? Well, most safety and energy experts say the ideal water heater temperature is 120° F. Of course, this is just a guideline, and you may want to adjust it a few degrees to your liking.
If the water temperature is too hot:
- You risk scalding young children, or the elderly, whose skin is more sensitive.
- You waste energy and have higher utility bills.
If the water temperature is too cold:
Your water heater is not able to properly kill harmful bacteria. Any stagnant water is prone to bacteria growth, most of it harmless. However, in some cases, people have developed Legionnaires’ disease (a type of bacterial pneumonia) from water heaters set too low.
Tip #3: Use Insulation
To prevent unnecessary heat loss, use an insulation blanket of at least R-11. The higher the R-rating, the thicker the blanket and the more insulation it provides.
Many older water heaters are less efficient by design and age, so it’s especially important to use insulation blankets in systems like these. If you have a gas-powered heater, make sure you don’t cover the top of the heater as this could be a fire hazard.
Since 1986, Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer has been the trusted service provider in Baldwin Park and surrounding area.
Call us today at (626) 962-0885 and find out for yourself why we’re winners of the HomeAdvisor plumbing award.