If you’ve ever had issues with your water heater, you know they can cause a huge mess and can put a damper on things like taking comfortable showers and doing the dishes. Following these steps will help extend the water heater’s life while ensuring that it works more efficiently. If you don’t feel comfortable maintaining the heater yourself, find water heater company Pleasanton CA services.
1. Drain and Flush the Tank
Over time your water heater can build up sediment, which can calcify and severely damage the tank. Experts recommend that homeowners drain and flush their tank every six months but suggest doing it more often if you live in a place with hard water. To drain the tank, connect a hose to the tank’s drain spout and let all of the water from the tank drain into a bucket. Dump this water. Briefly open the cold-water supply on the tank, which will stir up the sediment in the tank, and drain that water. Repeat until the water comes out clean.
2. Test the TPR Valve
The temperature-pressure-release valve is what protects your water heater if the pressure gets too high in the tank. If this valve isn’t in good working order, the pressure could build up in the tank, causing it to crack open. Place a bucket under the drain valve and lift the tab for a moment to let some water out. If water keeps flowing after you have released the tab, you will want to install a new valve.
3. Check the Anode Rod
The anode rod in a water heater prevents corrosion of the metal lining and helps protect the heater from an explosion. To test the rod, hook a hose up to the drain spout and let out a few gallons of water. Unscrew the rod and check its thickness. If it is less than 1/2 thick or has a coating of calcium, you’ll want to replace it.
