Now that the weather is cooling, you will undoubtedly spend more time indoors. You may even host gatherings of family and friends. As a result, your hot water heater will receive more of a workout. Before fall gets under way, follow the maintenance tips below to get your hot water heater ready.
Schedule a Water Heater Inspection
Now is the ideal time to schedule a hot water heater inspection. If the plumber finds any problems, you can work together to craft a plan for making necessary repairs before chilly weather arrives. It is often more difficult to make repairs on plumbing when the weather is colder because winter brings additional risks.
During an inspection, the plumber will:
- Check that the shutoff valves function properly
- Make sure the gas line works properly on gas water heaters
- Look for signs of rust and corrosion
- Thoroughly inspect all electrical components and connections
- Test the pressure release valve
- Make sure the water temperature is at safe levels
A professional hot water heater inspection must take place once a year.
Schedule Routine Maintenance
Along with an inspection, you should have a plumber perform routine maintenance. During your maintenance appointment, the plumber will flush your water heater to clear out the sediment. As you use this appliance, sediment accumulates. If you don’t have it flushed out, it will negatively impact its performance. Do not attempt to flush your water heater yourself because you risk getting scalded. Water heater flushing is a job that is best left to the professionals.
In addition to flushing out your water heater, the plumber will check the condition of your anode rod. The anode rod disintegrates over time to protect your water heater tank from rust. If the anode rod needs replacing, the plumber will perform this task.
Add Insulation
When cold weather sets in, the risk of plumbing disasters increases, and your water heater is not exempt. When plumbing becomes too cold, pipes can burst. To prevent the cold temperatures from negatively impacting your water heater, you should add insulation. You can wrap your water heater tank in special insulation blankets and wrap your pipes in insulation sleeves. You can also insulate the pipes using heat tape, but to avoid a safety hazard, a professional should apply it.
If you want to make sure your water heater continues to supply the hot water you need for your Redding, CA home, contact our team at Steve Beaton Plumbing LLC. We service water heaters of all brands and types.