When was the last time you thought about your water heater? Your home’s water heater is used every day, even here in Texas. After all, the water heater provides all the hot water for your everyday appliances so you can cook, clean, and shower. If your water heater isn’t working as it should, you’ll be faced with endless inconvenience and even high water bills.

Fortunately, the team at RedFin Plumbing Co. is here to help, if you need a water heater repair! We suggest that you or a qualified professional perform a few maintenance tasks on your water heater twice a year. Follow these steps to lower your monthly water bill and save time and money by preventing future breakdowns.

Prep Your Water Heater

Before you perform any maintenance on the water heater, shut off its source of power, either gas or electricity. Turn off the cold water inlet to the water heater, which is usually at the top of the heater, to let the water cool down. Go to a faucet in your home and turn on a trickle of hot water to release pressure in the tank.

Check the TPR Valve

Located on the side of the water heater, the TPR (temperature and pressure relief) valve will open if the pressure in the tank reaches an unsafe level. Since an explosion could happen if the valve doesn’t work, it’s essential to test it regularly. To do this, you need to put a bucket under it. Lift a tab, and you should hear a rush of air and see vapor. If neither of these things happens, then the TPR valve isn’t working, and you should contact a plumber.

Look at the Anode Rod

The anode rod works to combat corrosion in your tank, helping preserve the lining of the tank. Check the condition of the anode rod by loosening the hex head screw and unscrewing the rod. Lift the rod out and examine at it. Measure how much of the rod is coated with calcium; if the calcium is more than one-half inch thick, the rod should be replaced. Call in a plumber to replace your anode rod, or you may end up spending more to replace a rusty water heater.

Complete a Mini-Flush

Get rid of built-up sediment in your water heater tank by performing a mini-flush. Attach a hose to the drain valve and put the other end in a bucket or a sink. Next, open the cold water inlet and let the water drain until it flows clear. Doing this at least once a year can help prevent corrosion and increase the efficiency of the water heater. After that, close the drain valve and then refill the water tank.

Insulate Your Water Tank

Reduce water heating costs and heat loss by insulating your water tank! Water heater insulation (called a water heater insulation wrap, blanket, or jacket) can be found at most hardware stores. All you need to do is purchase some and then cut holes in it to make room for the valves, pipes, and other components. You can insulate your tank even further by purchasing and installing self-sticking foam pipe insulation.

Tip: If you plan to insulate your water heater as part of your semi-annual maintenance, purchase the insulation and prepare it before you turn the water heater off. Everyone who shares your home will thank you!

Prepare the Water Heater for Use

Once you’re done with your maintenance tasks, restore power to your water heater. Gas water heaters can be turned on by setting the gas valve to “on” and the control knob to “pilot.” Relight the pilot light by pushing the knob and the igniter button. For electric water heaters, just wait until the heater is full of water and then restore power.

Whether you have a gas or electric water heater, you should set your thermostat to 120 degrees after restoring power. It’s important not to set the temperature any lower, as that could risk microbial growth.

Call Us to Schedule Maintenance

While you can certainly try to take care of these maintenance steps on your own, the best way to maintain your water heater and make sure it stays efficient is to turn to the team at RedFin Plumbing Co. We have the tools and knowledge needed to inspect your water tank and keep it running as it should. Call us today for water heater maintenance or repair! We proudly serve clients throughout Houston and the surrounding Greater Houston area.