Electric Water Heater: What Maintenance Does it Require?

Your electric water heater requires proper maintenance because it extends its useful life and maintains its operational efficiency. Our blog post will outline essential maintenance activities to maintain your hot water system in proper operation.

Check the Temperature Setting

Ensure that the temperature on your electric water heater is right to prevent scalding and save on utility bills.

120°F is a good temperature for most residential houses. It is not only convenient for hot water but also energy-saving. You are not placing yourself in scalding water by setting it so low, but at the same time you can still have showers hot and wash dishes.

If you have kids or seniors in the house, it’s particularly important that you keep an eye on the temperature. You may find yourself repeatedly making small tweaks to the temperature, so it may be handy to have a thermometer handy.

Check for Leaks

Make sure to check the space near the heater for water leaks, which might mean there is another issue.

Make sure there are no water spots or puddles near where the base of the heater is. Leaks not only may lead to costly water damage, they may also indicate an issue with your heat unit that you need to address promptly.

Never neglect to inspect loose valves and fittings. Should you see something out of place, you must call a professional to avoid further damage and establish a secure working environment for your electric water heater.

Flush the Tank

If it is serviced annually or more often, sediment buildup might be removed, allowing it to be more effective and durable.

It will also accumulate on the bottom of your tank, where it will result in low efficiency and even create heating problems. Draining the tank is accomplished by switching off the electricity supply and doing the following: connecting a hose pipe to the bottom valve, opening the tap, and allowing water to discharge till it is cleansed.

This process may last long, but it is all worth it in the long run. Clear water with no sediments is not only effective in making the appliance run efficiently, but even the quality of the hot water you are getting in your home is improved.

Test the Pressure Relief Valve

Monitor the pressure relief valve periodically to see if it is functioning properly, a safety feature for you.

It is a pressure relieving safety device. Give it a go by just jerking the lever up suddenly and see if water comes out. If nothing appears to occur or it continues to drip once you loosen it, the time has come to change the valve.

Not ensuring a check on this valve leads to dangerous pressure buildup, causing potential tank rupture or even explosion. A small check to perform on a regular basis but vital for safety considerations.

Check Anode Rod

Periodically check the anode rod every couple of years and replace it if necessary so that it will not rust and corrode inside the tank.

An anode rod is a steel rod which draws corrosion so it keeps the tank from rusting. It corrodes over time and isn’t as effective, so you need to check it now and then. You need to replace it if it is narrower than one-half inch or if it is greatly corroded.

Replacing the anode rod is a fairly easy job which can significantly extend the lifespan of your electric water heater. It is more than worthwhile making an effort to arrange for this maintenance work to be done every three to five years, or sooner if you are on a supply system of hard water, which tends to speed up corrosion.

Keeps Your Water Heater Operating Efficiently 

With such easy procedures to follow for maintaining it, you shall increase the life span period of the electric water heater, and you shall also enjoy hot water whenever you require it. You also need to ensure you incorporate such procedures in your daily routine so you can enjoy optimal functioning