Your water heater works tirelessly to make your life easier and more comfortable, but it needs a little TLC from time to time. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of this appliance and lower your utility bills, and it could also prevent faults that could threaten you and your household. Here are some water heater maintenance tasks you shouldn’t ignore.

Conducting a Visual Inspection

Small problems that go unnoticed can turn into major disasters, so it’s important to visually inspect your water heater every two or three months. It’s also a good idea to schedule a service call to have an experienced professional perform an inspection every few years. When you inspect your water heater, check the tank exterior for signs of leaks, cracks or rust. Also, check to make sure that all pipes and connections are secure and tight.

Flushing the Tank

Residential water supplies contain minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals accumulate in water heater tanks and form sediment. Sediment buildup makes water heaters less efficient, which leads to higher utility bills. Flushing the tank regularly removes sediment; it can also prevent corrosion. A professional will first shut off power to the water heater, then flush the tank. After all the water has drained completely, they will run cold water through the system to remove any remaining sediment. Experts recommend that you avoid trying to perform this task yourself because one wrong move could be dangerous. For instance, you could scald yourself with hot water or be electrocuted.

Checking the Anode Rod

Metal corrodes when it is exposed to water. This doesn’t happen inside your water heater tank because an anode rod attracts corrosive elements like minerals. Rust forms on the anode rod instead of inside of the tank. A professional can check under the top plate to locate the anode rod. If the rod is heavily corroded or covered with calcium, it should be replaced. You can expect a new anode rod to last four or five years.

Testing the Pressure Relief Valve

Pressure builds up when water is heated up in a confined space. To prevent explosions, your water heater has a valve that releases this pressure. The pressure relief valve is a crucial safety feature, so you should have a professional check that it is working once annually. To test it, a professional will lift the release tab on the valve. If water flows out when they lift the tab and stops when they lower it, the valve is working properly.

If your water heater hasn’t been serviced for years, or your utility bills have risen unexpectedly in recent months, now is the time to schedule a service call. Contact the experienced professionals at C&C Myers in Charleston, SC for comprehensive water heater maintenance and repair services.