Regular maintenance of your water heater unit is essential for ensuring that it works properly and efficiently.
Without proper care, your water heater unit can become a source of frustration and costly repairs. To help keep your unit in tip-top shape, we’ve created this comprehensive checklist to ensure you don’t miss any important steps when performing routine maintenance on your water heater. By following these simple, straightforward steps, you can easily extend the life of your appliance and avoid unnecessary repair bills down the road.
Continue reading to familiarize yourself with the ultimate water heater maintenance checklist!
Once you’ve finished today’s post, feel free to check out this blog post from the talented team at Diamondback if you’d like to learn more about water heater explosions.
The ultimate water heater maintenance checklist for homeowners
It’s important for homeowners to keep their water heater units in good condition. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring that it works properly and efficiently and avoiding costly repairs down the road.
If you need help with your water heater, you’re in luck. Here’s the ultimate checklist of tasks that you can use when performing routine maintenance on your water heater.
Maintenance tip #1 — Check the temperature and pressure relief valve
This valve is designed to keep your water heater from over-pressurizing, which can lead to a dangerous explosion. It should be inspected annually for proper operation. To check it, lift the lever on the top of the valve and ensure that water shoots out of the pipe located at the bottom of the unit. If no water is present, you may need to replace this valve.
Maintenance tip #2 — Test the sacrificial anode rod
This rod helps prevent corrosion in your tank by attracting corrosive elements away from its walls. Over time, these rods will eventually corrode away, effectively shortening the lifespan of your water heater. Inspect this rod every two years and replace it if necessary.
Maintenance tip #3 — Flush out sediment build-up
Sediment will accumulate in your tank over time and cause problems with hot water delivery and efficiency. Flush out this buildup every six months or so through the drain valve at the bottom of your tank. Use a garden hose to flush out any debris inside until all sediment has been removed from the tank.
Maintenance tip #4 — Inspect the insulation blanket
Check that the insulation blanket around your tank is intact and free of tears or holes every six months or so to ensure that heat loss is minimized and energy efficiency maximized. Replace the insulation blanket if necessary as part of your routine maintenance schedule.
Maintenance tip #5 — Monitor gas line connections
If you have a gas-powered water heater, inspect all gas line connections—including those leading into and out of both tanks—at least once a year for leaks or other signs of wear or damage that may compromise safety or performance. Make sure all gas lines are securely tightened as well, using adjustable wrenches if needed for extra security during the inspection process.
Should you maintain your water heater by yourself or call a professional plumber for help?
It is usually best for homeowners to call a professional plumbing service if they need help with their water heater. A professional in Sacramento tankless water heaters knows how to check and maintain the water heater so that it works properly and stays safe. They can also help fix any problems that may arise.
How much does it cost to maintain a water heater?
The cost of replacing a water heater depends on the quality, size and type of water heater you have. It usually costs between $400-$2,000 to get a new one installed, plus any other parts or labor costs.
It is important to maintain your water heater regularly so it lasts longer, but if it does need to be replaced it can be expensive. It’s best to budget for these potential costs ahead of time and set aside some money in case you need to replace your water heater.
By following this checklist, you’ll be able to ensure the optimal performance and safety of your appliance and avoid unnecessary repair bills down the road. Keeping up with regular maintenance on your water heater unit is a great way to save money in the long run and keep it working reliably for years to come!
Water heater maintenance checklist for homeowners — Conclusion
In conclusion, water heater maintenance is essential for homeowners to ensure their appliance works properly and safely. Following a regular maintenance checklist can help you avoid unnecessary repair bills down the road while also extending your water heater’s lifespan.
While it may be tempting to try and maintain your own water heater by yourself, it is usually best to call in a professional plumbing service if you need help or have any questions about how to do so correctly.