Just because your water heater is functional doesn’t mean it is maintenance-free. Even if it doesn’t fail to provide hot water every day, you still have to put serious thought into its maintenance.

Here are six (6) helpful tips for winter water heater maintenance:

• Check the TPR Valves: Temperature pressure relief or TPR valves are safety devices that automatically release pressure inside the tank once it exceeds safe levels, preventing an explosion.
  Normally, you should hear a hiss of air or see some water build up when you lift the trip lever. However, if you happen to notice unnecessary leaking, flooding, rupture, or dirt buildup, then it’s time to replace the valves.
• Test the Anode Rod: Anode rods in water tanks are responsible for capturing corrosive elements in the water. If you notice the reduced thickness of the rod, the missing piece, or the calcium carbonate build-up in it, then it’s time for a replacement.
• Flush Out Sediments: Sediments like hard water minerals and rust impact the efficiency of your heater. When they build up on your unit, they can disrupt the water flow and affect its temperature, which can cause premature tank breakdown.
  To prevent sediment build-up, drain your water heater at least twice a year. For assistance, call Hugee Corporation at (202) 636-1041.
• Insulate Tank and Pipes: By insulating your hot water pipes and tank, you can reduce energy loss and your heating costs. For old water heaters, you may use foam tubing or a cylinder jacket. For newer models, there’s no need to worry as they come pre-insulated, unlike the older tanks.
• Seal the Leaks: Bigger problems always start small. So, if your water heater is unable to produce heated water at the right time, or it takes hours to heat up, then you might want to check for leaks. If you happen to find any, use the caulking method or fill the opening with foam insulators.
• Adjust the Temperature: Since we’re talking about winter preparations, you should consider adjusting the temperature as the final tip. As advised by our experienced technicians, it should be around 120 to 140 degrees. Use your best judgment to get the right setting for your home. Need any help or advice for your winter water heater maintenance? Contact the experts at Hugee Corporation in Washington DC and the Metropolitan areas today. We are always here to take care of your comfort needs.