Waiting until your water heater is broken is a common approach to maintenance, but it’s the worst one. A surefire way to increase operating costs, waiting until the water heater breaks to address any issues can also reduce its lifespan. Let’s explore the maintenance that experts recommend for your water heater each season.
Summer
Summer maintenance helps maximize efficiency during the highest usage period. It also helps avoid water heater repairs, which are more common in summer than any other season.
1. Clean the Water Heater Space to Prevent Dust Buildup
You should take this step at the beginning of every season, but we’ll just list it here. Sweep and vacuum the entire area. Dust is a fire concern for both electric and fuel-burning systems. Clear the area of any belongings, and do not use this area for storage.
2. Check the Temperature Setting
Most water heaters on the market have a default temperature setting of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends dropping it to 120 degrees. It’s better for the environment and will lower your costs. That temperature is comfortable and helps avoid scalding. If you set it higher in winter, this is the time to lower it. Even if you don’t, check the setting to ensure that no one inadvertently altered it.
3. Use the Vacation Mode
Many water heaters have a vacation mode that lowers energy consumption and helps protect the system while it’s not in use. Activate vacation mode whenever you’ll be away from home for 48 hours or more. If you don’t have a dedicated vacation mode, you can set the thermostat to its lowest setting instead.
Fall
Fall is arguably the most important season of all when it comes to water heater maintenance. Every fall, you need to schedule a professional inspection, cleaning, and flushing.
1. Consider Your Water Heater’s Insulation
The insulation on your supply and return lines is important for energy efficiency during fall and winter. If you have worn insulation, our plumber will recommend replacing it. Tankless and gas tank systems don’t need any insulation beyond that. An electric tank water heater may. Ask our plumber whether you should add a water heater jacket and an insulated base.
2. Test the Water Flow Rate
Fill a 1-gallon bucket with hot water. If it takes more than 90 seconds, the flow rate is too low. Discuss this with the plumber when they come for your inspection and maintenance.
3. Flush or Descale Your Water Heater
Tank water heaters require at least annual flushing to remove sediment and limescale from the system. The plumber will run a drain hose from the drain valve and allow the tank to drain fully. Once it has drained, they will refill the system and test that it’s operating correctly.
Tankless water heaters require annual descaling. This involves a 5-gallon bucket and a circulating pump. It takes about 35 to 45 minutes. During this period, the pump will run vinegar or a cleaning solution through the system to remove lime scale. Many homes with on-demand water heaters also have an anti-scale device or even a whole-house water softening system. If you do, ask the plumber to service that equipment during this appointment as well.
4. Check the Sacrificial Anode Rod
If you have a tank water heater, our plumber will remove the sacrificial anode rod and inspect it. If it’s corroded, they will cut a new rod to size and install it. The typical replacement period is every three years, but you may need it more often if you have hard water.
5. Test the Thermostat
Once the water heater has heated back up, the plumber will test the water temperature, water pressure, and the thermostat itself. This is to ensure that the temperature setting is accurate.
6. Inspect the Fuel-Burning Components
A routine inspection in the fall is also important if you have a fuel-burning system. The plumber will clean, inspect, test, and calibrate components like the pilot light, thermocouple, and burner. Once the system is running again, they’ll check the flue for any obstructions, rule out any backflow scenarios, and test any CO detectors for the water heater.
Winter
While there’s not much maintenance you need to perform in winter, this is a time to remain vigilant. The big concerns during this season are freezing pipes and excessive water heater costs.
1. Regularly Inspect Cold Water Supply Lines
The cold water supply line for your water heater is at risk of freezing in winter. Check it each week. Ensure that the insulation is adequate and intact. Replace it as needed. If you notice any dripping at all, call our company. The cause could be as simple as a bad valve. It could also be that expansion and contraction have damaged the line.
2. Monitor the System for Decreased Efficiency
Winter is the season your water heater is most prone to inefficiency. Monitor energy consumption. Pay attention to any unusual noises and longer heating times. That includes the water heater taking longer to heat water but also hot water taking longer to reach your fixtures.
Spring
Spring is an ideal time for a water heater checkup. During summer, the average household uses more water, so during the spring checkup, you can take the opportunity to prepare for the increased demand.
1. Flush or Descale Your Water Heater
Most homeowners will need to flush or descale their water heaters once or twice a year. If you need to do it twice, schedule one of those appointments in spring. If you only need it once, schedule it in the fall. We’ll go into more detail about what this service entails in the Fall section.
2. Check All Valves
This is something you should do every season as well, but we’ll list it just once. Test the temperature and pressure relief valve by raising and lowering it three times. If working properly, it should release the water that drains through the drain line unobstructed. Check all other valves to ensure that there’s no sign of moisture. Replace valves that drip immediately.
3. Lubricate the Circulating Pump
Many tankless water heaters have a recirculating system. That system has a circulating pump that needs oil. Check the oil level window. If the level is low, fill it through the provided lubrication port.
4. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Most tankless water heaters and many tank water heaters have an air filter. Inspect that filter and clean it or replace it as needed. Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s guidelines on this.
Professional Water Heater Maintenance in Roseville
If you need professional water heater services in Roseville, CA or the surrounding areas, Environmental Heating & Air Solutions is the company to choose. We’ve served homeowners in this region for over a decade. Our plumbers install and service electric and fuel-burning tank and tankless water heaters and heat pump water heaters. Our HVAC technicians specialize in ductless mini-splits, air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces. We also have an air quality team that cleans and seals ducts and installs CO detectors, air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers. Our company also specializes in home automation, house and attic fans, energy audits, insulation, and HVAC zoning.
Contact us at Environmental Heating & Air Solutions today to schedule a service appointment or an in-home consultation.
