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A Complete Guide To Water Heater Maintenance

A Complete Guide to Water Heater Maintenance: Tips for Prolonging the Life of Your System

You need consistent hot water for daily necessities. Water heater replacements can be expensive, so anyone would want to maintain their current system when possible. 

Above + Beyond Service Company offers three water heater maintenance tips and tricks that can extend your water heater’s lifespan.

Major Parts of Your Water Heater

Most tank-style water heater units have similar components:

  • Storage Tank: The storage tank — typically steel, glass, and magnesium — has insulating layers to hold heated water and keep it warm.
  • Dip Tube: The dip tube brings cold water into the tank, which heats up from the heating element. It continues to provide cold water as you use heated tank water.
  • Heating Element: This component heats water in the tank. Depending on the fuel source, it could be an electric coil or gas burner.
  • Thermostat: As with an HVAC unit, the thermostat tells you the water’s current temperature setting.
  • Anode Rod: This rod attracts metal-corrosive substances from the tank walls, reducing sediment buildup and rusting.
  • Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve: Temperature relief valves (a.k.a. pressure relief valves) automatically release water if the tank’s temperature or pressure reaches a certain threshold.

Ways To Maintain a Tank-Style Water Heater

You may be able to check some aspects of the water heater yourself to save money on maintenance. Before starting, remember to turn off the water supply and power to the heater, allow the tank water to cool, and wear protective gear.

Here are a few items to add to your maintenance checklist:

What Does the Anode Rod Look Like?

As mentioned, the anode rod fends off tank erosion by attracting corrosive substances and can be found near the top of the tank. If the rod looks less than half an inch thick, is corroded or covered in calcium, you’ll want to replace it. 

Have You Flushed Your Tank Recently?

Even with a working anode rod, substances can settle at the bottom of the tank, dirtying the water. Each year, you or a qualified technician should attach a hose to the drain valve and allow the water to flow outside. After flushing the tank, allow the dip tube to push new water into the system until the hose runs clear.

Is Your TPR Valve Working?

Hold a bucket under the discharge pipe connected to the TPR valve. After lifting the valve tab to release water, let the tab go.

If water flows freely from the pipe and stops upon tab release, your TPR valve works well. If the water doesn’t come out or continues coming out after you release the tab, it’s time for a valve replacement.

Call Our Fantastic Water Heater Technicians

Water heater maintenance may also require you to know how to change a thermocouple, adjust the system’s temperature settings, and more. While you can do certain parts yourself, you can also rely on Above + Beyond Service Company technicians. Our family-owned business keeps hot water in Oklahoma homes and businesses running smoothly.

Call (405) 461-5101 for 24/7 emergency water heater services or to get your free quote today.