Keeping up with preventative home maintenance seems like a never-ending chore. The biggest struggle for most homeowners is the problems that are not immediately visible. Because these items can go unchecked for some time, the cost of fixing them becomes expensive. Barner Murphy is always available when you need service, but we also have some tips on how to care for your water heater through regular checkups and maintenance. 

TLC Tune Up For Your Water Heater In Five Steps

There are several reasons to take good care of your water heater, one of which is extending the lifespan of your system. Another is to improve its energy efficiency. A struggling water heater requires more power to produce the amount of hot water you need. 

1. Check the Anode Rod

Okay, what the heck is an Anode Rod? This is a rod made ‌of aluminum, magnesium, and zinc. It lives inside your water heater, helping to prevent rust. The rod acts like a magnet for corrosive matter in the water. Over time, it wears down. Check this part once a year (your owner’s manual should show where to find it). Our professionals at Barner Murphy recommend replacing it when it’s ¼ of its original size (it will show considerable pitting). 

2. Checking for leaks and corrosion

The old saying, “water has its way,” is very accurate. You may not notice a water heater leak, but the liquid can cause mold and structural damage. Make it a habit to look over the water tank’s outer shell, connections, and base. Take a flashlight and watch for water spots, apparent rust, or moisture.  

3. Flush the water heater

The third item homeowners often overlook in routine water heater maintenance is flushing. When your hot water runs out quickly and you notice your electric (or gas) bill spiking, it's likely that the water heater has built up sediment that needs to be cleaned out. The more sediment, the harder your system has to work. 

The general rule of thumb is to flush the water heater at least annually, with biannually being a better practice. You turn off the tank, drain it, and let water run through until it comes out clean. If this doesn’t sound high on your “want to do” list, our service fees for flushing are modest. 

4. Insulate the water tank and pipes

Insulating your system reduces heat loss. This means your system runs more efficiently, thus lowering energy bills. Use insulating materials like foam, polyurethane, fiberglass, and wool. You want a product with a heat resistance value of 24 or higher. 

5. Temperature and pressure test

Your water heater system has something called a TPR valve. It prevents pressure buildup in the tank. Locate the valve’s drain pipe and put a bucket underneath it. Lift the lever. If the water flows freely from the pipe, that’s a healthy sign. If, however, the valve leaks after closing, replace it. 

Reach Out to Barner Murphy

Not everyone enjoys or feels competent in DIY water heater maintenance. So, call on our master plumbers for help. We service both Bucks and Montgomery Counties, PA, and guarantee quality work. Give us a call at 215-945-8560 or use our online contact form for more information.