Water heaters are a great invention, particularly for people living in extremely cold weather. Once you’ve installed a water heater, it’s best to keep it in good working order with home inspection services. The longer it lasts, the more money you’ll save and the less stress you’ll have to deal with in the future.
Water heater maintenance can be done in a couple of ways. One is by using a professional company that will come to your home and do it for you. The other way is to do it yourself. If you want to do it yourself, then there are some steps that you need to follow to maintain your water heater properly.
1. Test the Pressure Relief Valve
If there’s too much pressure in a water heater, there are chances that it might explode. Fortunately, water heaters are equipped with a safety valve that relieves pressure if it rises too high. Turn off the power and the cold water supply. Place a bucket under the pressure release valve, and the water can then be released by lifting the tab. The water should stop flowing. If the water continues to flow, the tank should be partially emptied and a new valve installed.
2. Maintain an Appropriate Water Temperature
Choosing the right temperature for your water heater can be a challenge. There are several reasons to reduce the temperature of your water heater:
- There is less chance of scorching
- The cost of energy is decreased
- Water heaters wear out more quickly as the temperature rises
- When it comes to being scalded, children and the elderly are the most vulnerable
3. Keep Your Water Heater Insulated
You may lose a lot of heat through the walls if you don’t insulate your water heater. You can save on your utility costs if you insulate your water heater, which reduces standby heat loss by 25% to 50%. As a result, you won’t have to wait long for the water to heat up, saving you money and energy. These insulators can be purchased at any of the home improvement shops.
4. Drain and Refill Your Hot Water Tank
To minimize residue buildup in your water heater tank, it’s recommended that you flush it once a year. Some tanks are more likely to have calcium deposits in their water heaters, depending on the water type. If you have an electric water heater, switch off the circuit breaker or gas supply before flushing it.
If you are looking for reliable home inspectors in Atlanta to test your water heating system, Whole House Home Inspections is here to help! We are a leading home maintenance inspection company offering expert services in mold inspection, air quality testing, infrared inspection, and termite inspection for your residential and commercial properties. Contact us now to learn more about our services.
