The water heater is a vital component of your home's infrastructure that requires routine maintenance and upkeep to ensure it performs correctly and to prevent damage or wear. From simple maintenance tasks that you can complete yourself, to necessary professional inspections, proper water heater care affects its longevity and performance. Keep reading to explore the various ways you can take care of your water heater to keep it functioning properly and review other strategies for protecting your home, like finding the right home insurance policy.
How often should you have your water heater inspected?
Regularly inspecting your water heater can help identify potential issues early on, prevent significant malfunctions, and prolong the lifespan of your water heater. Keep an eye out for any changes in your water heater's performance, such as fluctuating water temperatures, unusual noises, or signs of leakage. If you identify any of these signs of damage or wear, you’ll want to have it inspected as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to have your water heater checked at least once yearly to ensure it is functioning efficiently and safely. Remember that specific maintenance and inspection schedules differ based on the type of water heater you have, its age, and the manufacturer's recommendations.
Five Tips for Proper Water Heater Maintenance
There are many ways you can maintain the health of your water heater at home. Here are some of the most popular approaches for water heater upkeep:
Flushing the Tank: Mineral deposits and sediment accumulate in the water heater tank over time, reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage. Flushing the tank once a year can help to remove these deposits and support optimal heat transfer to prevent corrosion.
Checking the Anode Rod: The anode rod attracts corrosive elements inside the water heater to prevent corrosion. Checking or replacing the anode rod every 3-5 years can help extend the water heater's life and maintain its performance.
Adjusting the Temperature: Setting the water heater's temperature to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit helps prevent scalding, preserve energy, and minimize the risk of mineral buildup, which supports efficient operation.
Insulating the Tank: Consider insulating your water heater and hot water pipes to increase energy efficiency and reduce heat loss. Proper insulation can also help prevent the outside of the tank from being too hot to the touch and reduce the risk of accidental burns.
Testing the Pressure Relief Valve: It’s important to check the pressure relief valve on your water heater at least once a year to ensure it functions appropriately and releases excess pressure as intended.
Care for Your Home with the Help of SelectQuote
Whether you’ve lived in your house for several years or are a new homeowner, staying on top of regular maintenance is key, including flushing your water heater and scheduling regular inspections. When you want to protect all aspects of your home, finding the insurance coverage you need is crucial. Fortunately, SelectQuote makes it easy. In just minutes, our licensed agents will help you compare home insurance quotes from several of the nation’s most highly trusted carriers.
