There are a variety of appliances in our home that we use in our day to day life and it is every home owner’s duty to maintain them so that they can last for years.
Today, a water heater is found in almost every one’s home. It heats up the water whenever required. So to provide us with this service over the years, it requires good and regular maintenance.
Apart from providing hot water, a good maintenance program extends the life of the appliance, lowers the utility bills so saves our money and keep the water heater quiet.
In a water heater, cold water enters the top of the tank and flows through a plastic pipe called a dip tube, which delivers the cold water to the bottom of the tank where the burners are located. These burners heat the water to appropriate temperature which rises to the top where it flows out when needed. An insulation layer is present to keep the water hot.
Before talking about the maintenance of the water heater, it is very important to know what are the various factors that can damage it. Above all culprits, corrosion presents the biggest threat to a water heater.
Sediment build-up is the second biggest culprit. It reduces the efficiency. It is also is a breeding ground for bacteria that can be harmful and sediment can cause the rumbling noises.
Some important things that should be kept in mind regarding the maintenance of the water heaters are: one should regularly inspect the anode rod which is responsible for corrosion. It can be removed from the top of the tank. Also, one should regularly flush the tank to remove built up sediment that resides at the bottom.
You should also check the thermostat of the water heater regularly. In case, it is not accurately measuring the temperature, it is advisable to get it replaced. You should hire a professional plumber for regular checks of your water heater and to get the damaged parts replaced.