Did you know the average water heater costs around $1,000 to replace? The average water heater’s lifespan is around ten years. That means that you’ll likely be spending thousands of dollars replacing hot water heaters over your lifetime, and that’s not even including the cost of simply repairing them.
It’s a worthwhile investment, though. We all count on our water heaters to heat our water. After all, no one likes a super cold shower when they were planning on a hot one. With a little preventative maintenance, you can prolong the life of your water heater. Here are a few suggestions to prevent water heater repair in Springfield Missouri.
Check the Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve
Pressure can build up in a water heater over time. Too much pressure and the results could be explosive. The job of the pressure relief valve, located on the top or side of the water heater, is to automatically open and release pressure when it gets too high. To test it, start by turning off electricity or gas running to the heater, then shut off the cold-water inlet. Place a bucket at one end of the pipe connected to the valve and lift the valve’s tab, allowing a bit of water out. If the valve does not release water, the tank needs to be drained, and the valve needs to be replaced.
Clean Out Sediment
Sediment buildup is the common enemy of all plumbing, reducing energy efficiency and clogging water lines. With the electricity or gas turned off and the cold-water inlet shutoff, connect a hose to your water tank’s drain valve and, with the relief valve open, let the tank drain completely (CAUTION: WATER WILL BE HOT). Let the water flow until you no longer see sediment. Then close everything up, refill the tank, and turn the power back on.
Watch the Temperature
In addition to preventing injury from scalding and saving in energy costs, keeping your water temperature lower can also reduce sediment buildup. The recommended temperature is 120 degrees. You can check the temperature with a cooking thermometer if your dial doesn’t have numbers.
Insulate Your Pipes
Installing foam pipe insulation can prevent freezing in the winter and condensation in the summer, prolonging the life of your water heater.
Water heaters don’t last forever, but with a little preventative maintenance, you can keep yours running smoothly for a long time. If you need professional water heater repair in Springfield Missouri, then look no further than your friendly, neighborhood plumbers. United Plumbing is at your service, day or night.