Water Heater Maintenance

It’s the dead of winter, and your water heater stops working. That means no hot showers, no washing the dishes, no washing your whites and towels in the washing machine, and no washing your hands effectively with hot water. What do you do? It might be time to invest in a new water heater! But first, let’s discuss some ways to effectively maintain your water heater to help prevent it from breaking down in the first place.Water heaters are fairly low maintenance, but there are some things you’ll want to do once you buy it. To keep your water heater running efficiently and increasing its longevity, you can add insulation to reduce heat loss. Foam pipe insulation will do the trick. Wrapping it around the water pipes will prevent condensation. It is also a good idea to insulate the heater. Another way to help save money on your bill each month is to set the temperature. Lowering the temperature will lower your energy costs. Remember to lower the thermostat or turn the water heater off if you plan on being away from home for more than a few days.There are a few things you’ll want to do annually to ensure optimum efficiency. Each year, you should flush sediment from the tank. Similarly, at least once per year you should check to make sure the anode rod hanging in the tank is in good condition. This will help prevent the water tank from rusting from the inside out. This part is easily replaced in comparison to a whole new water heater.If it’s time for a new water heater, consider an energy efficient tankless water heater that provides on-demand water heating. Unlike conventional water heaters, they provide a continuous flow of hot water right when you need it, instead of a limited flow of continuously heated hot water. Water is heated instantly as it flows through the device.If you have questions about maintaining or upgrading your water heater, give us a call at 1-877-FINKENS.