How often do you think about the water heater in your home? If you’re like most people, the answer to that question is very rarely. Often times, homeowners forget about their water heater altogether until the unit malfunctions and they have to experience the discomfort of a cold shower or the inconvenience of cleaning up after dinner with cold water.
Water heater repair in Springfield Missouri can be an unexpected and costly expense. At United Plumbing we want to equip you with the knowledge to keep the plumbing in your home running smoothly.
Here are a couple things you can do to prolong the life of your water heater.
Yearly Maintenance
Sediment can build up in your tank over time. This can cause rust to develop inside and will eventually lead to replacing your water heater or water heater repair. Sediment build up also takes up space in your water heater tank. Less space means less hot water for you. We recommend draining the sediment out of your water heater once or twice a year (depending on water conditions). Here are the steps to take in removing sediment from your tank:
Step 1: You will need to turn off the gas or electric supply to your water heater. If your unit is electric, simply flip the breaker switch. If your unit it gas, locate the gas shut-off valve beside your tank and turn it to the “off” position.
Step 2: After the unit is turned off, you will need to turn the water supply to the unit off. Simply turn the water shut-off valve beside the unit to the “off” position.
Step 3: Hook up a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of your tank. Place the other end of the garden hose outside. Open the drain valve where the hose is attached and allow all of the water to drain from your unit. This may take a while if you have a lot of sediment.
Step 4: After completely draining your unit, remove the garden hose and close the drain valve. You can then return the water supply and gas/electric supply back to the unit by turning the valves back to the “on” position.
Note: If your water heater does not have an expansion tank, it is important that you monitor your water heater while it is filling back up. Ensure the pressure/thermo-expansion inside your tank does not cause the pressure valve to “pop” and create a leak. If you have questions concerning this, feel free to contact our office for advice.
Get a Water Softner
Does your home currently have a water softener? If so, the plumbing in your home is protected from pesky sediment and hard water. Just be sure to keep your salt tank full to ensure proper functioning. If you do not have a water softener, look into getting one. It is a wonderful investment to make to protect the plumbing and appliances in your home. While it may not be a “money saver” at first, investing in a water softener can potentially save you thousands over time.
As always, call United Plumbing if you have any questions or need our assistance. We can be reached at (417) 891-9777.