The average lifespan of your water heater is about 10 years, but without the proper maintenance it might not last that long. Your water heater is one of the most important parts of you home and deserves the extra care and attention. Here are a few things you can do to get the most out of your unit.
Temperature
Check and pay close attention to the thermostat on your water heater unit. While most manufactures set the temperature to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, the recommended setting is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This prevents tank damage, slows mineral buildup and corrosion in the pipes.
Pressure Relief Valve
You can test your pressure relief valve to make sure it is in working condition. A functioning pressure relief valve will release a burst of hot water into the drainpipe after you raise and lower the test lever. Doing this regularly will clear out debris and will keep the function in check.
If the valve does not let out a big burst each team, call a Hukill’s professional plumber to get a new one installed.
Draining the Tank
It is a great idea to flush out about one-quarter of your tank a few times every year. This is super easy to do by turning off the cold water supply, hooking up a garden hose to the drain valve and then run the water until it looks clear. This helps clear away any sediment and preserve the water heater’s heating efficiency.
As always, is is always best to call your Hukill’s professional plumbers if you have any questions or concerns!
