Written on: July 17, 2023
Your water heater plays not only a major role in your home’s function and comfort, but in your energy costs as well.
Heating water makes up approximately 20% of your annual energy costs. Keeping your water heater running at its peak performance and energy efficiency is good for your family, home, and bank account.
This is why regular, professional water heater maintenance from Kimlin Energy is essential.
Most homes have a conventional storage water heater with a tank. Regular maintenance is needed to help protect the tank and extend its life expectancy. Here are some tasks that are done during water heater maintenance.
Pressure relief valve test – The relief valve is designed to open automatically if there is too much pressure in the tank and close when the pressure is back to normal. A bucket is placed under the discharge pipe and the pressure relief valve is slowly opened. If it does not release water when the valve is opened, the valve needs to be replaced.
Check anode rod and change as needed – The anode rod in your tank draws minerals and other impurities to it, keeping it from the interior walls of your tank. This helps prevent tank corrosion and extends your water heater’s life expectancy. Eventually, the rod corrodes away and needs to be replaced.
Inspecting and replacing the rod if needed is a critical part of a water heater tune-up.
Insulate tank and pipes – If you have not insulated your water heater tank and pipes, now is the time to do so. This not only keeps the heat inside the tank and pipes better to improve energy efficiency, but it prevents the buildup of condensation on the outside of the tank in warmer weather, helping to prevent corrosion.
Bleed tank – Sediment frequently develops at the bottom of the water heater tank and, if left there, can lead to corrosion of the tank from the inside out. Draining the tank of a few gallons or until the water coming out runs clear helps your tank last longer and keep your water heater running efficiently.
Sometimes, a small repair may be all you need to keep your water going. However, there are also times where it’s not a good idea. Here are some things to consider.
The age of your water heater – If your water heater is older than 10 years, you should start thinking about getting a replacement since storage-type water last between 10 and 12 years. To determine the age of your water heater, use the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker. The first letter in it corresponds to its month of production. The first two numbers are the year it was made. That means if the serial number on your water heater is J134936527, “J” is the tenth letter in the alphabet and corresponds to October, the tenth month of the year. The “13” stands for the year. That indicates that the water heater was manufactured in October of 2013.
Problems with your water heater – To avoid water heater failure, it’s important to regularly check your water heater for signs of trouble. If you notice any of the following signs: contact Kimlin Energy immediately for a service call.
For expert water heater repair, maintenance, and replacement services, you can’t beat Kimlin Energy! Contact us for all your home’s water heating needs.