Ways to Care for Your Water Heater This Winter

A water heater is an important appliance in any household, and it’s essential to keep maintaining it for it to work its best. With the cold winter just around the corner, you should take time to inspect your water heater and ensure that it is ready for all the different conditions it might encounter.

Get Your Water Heater Inspected

The fall season is the perfect time to have your water heater inspected so that you know it is ready for the demands of the winter season. A skilled professional can ensure that everything is working correctly and also recommend any future maintenance that might be necessary. If any issues are found, they can provide repairs to address them.

Flush Your Water Heater

Prepping your water heater for winter should also include a flushing of its tank. Over time, sediment builds up in the tank due to minerals and other debris. This buildup will affect the operation of your water heater, causing it to work harder to heat your water. Annual flushing removes any sediment buildup and restores your heater’s efficiency. Flushing is a fairly simple procedure, but you can reach out to a professional if you are uncomfortable doing the work yourself.

Maintain the Optimal Temperature

With water heaters, hotter isn’t necessarily better. In fact, having your hot water heater set too high can lead to burns and scalding. Ideally, you want the temperature of your heater set to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hot enough to handle daily tasks while also maintaining energy efficiency and minimizing the risk of burning.

Consider Adding Insulation

To improve your water heater’s efficiency, consider adding some insulation around the tank. This will help your heater keep the water warm all winter long. It may also help reduce your energy bills.

Common Issues from Not Maintaining a Water Heater

• Sediment Buildup: Accumulation of sediment and minerals in the tank can lead to reduced efficiency and potential damage to the heating element.
• Reduced Efficiency: Lack of maintenance can cause decreased efficiency, resulting in higher energy bills.
• Corrosion: Without proper maintenance, the tank or components can corrode over time, leading to leaks and potential water damage.
• Noisy Operation: Sediment buildup or other issues may cause noises like popping or rumbling during operation.
• Foul Odors: Bacteria growth in stagnant water can lead to unpleasant odors in the hot water supply.
• Leaks: Corrosion or wear and tear due to neglect can lead to leaks in the tank or connections.
• Temperature Fluctuations: Sediment buildup or faulty components can cause fluctuations in water temperature, leading to discomfort.
• Shortened Lifespan: Lack of maintenance can significantly reduce the lifespan of the water heater, leading to premature replacement.

ProMax Water Heaters & Plumbing is one of the leading plumbing and water heater companies in Washington. We are committed to offering top-quality service, fair pricing, and prompt delivery of products backed by superior customer service. We inspect, repair, and install water heaters and provide a full range of other plumbing services in Bellevue and the surrounding area. Contact us today to learn more about our services!