Prepping Your Water Heater for the Fall
Winter is coming, and the last place you want to find yourself is in a home without hot water. Take these five simple steps to ensure that your water heater is ready for the upcoming seasons.
Test the TPR Valve
If the pressure inside the water heater rises to a dangerous level, the Temperature & Pressure Release Valve opens and stabilizes the unit. Experts recommend regular testing of this valve, as this is the mechanism that prevents water heater explosions. To check the valve:
- Open the valve by flipping the manual lever
- Watch for an outpouring of water through the discharge pipe
- Close the valve by shutting the lever
If water pours out of the valve, then your TPR valve is working properly. If no water or very little water exits the tank, this means there is an issue with the valve and the pressure inside will continue to build. Replace the TPR valve immediately.
Check the thermostat and adjust the temperature.
The thermostat on your water heater indicates the temperature of the water entering your home. The recommended temperature setting for water heaters is 120°F, which prevents scalding and reduces energy consumption. Increasing your temperature by a few degrees will produce hotter water that kills bacteria. However, keep in mind that any temperature increase will also increase your home energy costs.
Drain the tank and remove sediment.
In order to flush out sediment and mineral buildup in your water tank, it’s important to drain the tank and replace with new water. The sediment that builds at the bottom of the tank will impede your heater’s efficiency over time. Either attach a hose to the drain valve while the power and water supply are turned off, or use a bucket to drain.
Inspect your Anode Rod for corrosion.
The anode rod is one of the two features of your water heater that prevents rusting. It works by attracting corrosive elements in the water before they can reach the metal lining of the tank. The anode rod itself becomes completely corroded about every five years, so inspect to see if replacement is necessary.
Add insulation to your tank and pipes
Feel the outside of your tank. Newer water heaters are built with a thick layer of insulation and will feel cold. If your water heater feels warm on the outside, this means that energy is escaping and there isn’t enough insulation.
Fit a foil insulating blanket around exposed pipes and valves, and seal around the tank with foil tape. Make sure that the thermostat remains exposed, as well as the top of gas or oil powered water heaters. Adding this layer of insulation will prevent heat loss and reduce your utility bills.
While these tasks can be completed without professional help, to ensure your water heater is prepared safely and correctly, contact Lowery Plumbing, Heating & Air now to learn more about our services.
