tankless water heater

A water heater needs a lot of care and attention as any other electronic device. Though producers provide the best parts that can deal with the constant heating and cooling, you have to know that even the best parts will wear out if put under constant pressure. We will look at some tips or points for water heater maintenance and installation to prolong or improve its life despite the constant expansion and contraction from heating and cooling

Points to always remember while installing a water heater

  • Space around the water heater:

When installing a water heater, make sure to keep some space between the appliance and the walls. If the technician does not have adequate room for twist and turns to check out the water heater parts, they will not be able to repair it or carry out maintenance properly. Hire expert technicians from Denver Water Heaters to get the installation done properly.

Also, it should be easily attainable if you want to repair it or get it serviced. Though some people put the water heater right on top of the toilet to  allegedly get better access, this typically hinders the technician from reaching the appliance easily. It is best to put it on a portion of the wall that has nothing below the water heater and is away from damp or wet areas like the shower, bathtub or toilet. This way, you or anyone can easily gain access to it with a small stool.

  • Place the water heater at a sufficient or reasonable height:

Professionals suggest that you should install the water heater at a height of at least 6 feet from the floor. This makes sure that the water pressure is enough and you get a strong hot water flow in your tap rather than a drizzle.

  • Electrical connections and switches:

Make sure that the water heater is connected to a Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) that cuts off electricity in case of power flux.This will reduce chances of any short circuit in the water heater. Also, keep the switch at a reasonable height away from little kids but not too high that you or any adult has issues while trying to reach it.

Repair and maintenance of the water heater. A man twists a screwdriver element of the water heater. Tool and fingers close up.
Hand attaches hose to water heater drain to perform maintenance
Man works on a hotwater heater with a pipe wrench

Points to always remember while installing a water heater

  • Do not keep the water heater switched on for extended or longer periods

People usually prefer to keep the water heater switched on for extended periods, especially

during the morning.  The general notion is that since everyone needs warm water before they rush for work or school, keeping the water heater on will save time. That may have been the case once upon a time but today’s water heater heats the water within 5 minutes. As keeping the water heater on for extended or longer periods will reduce the lifespan of the appliance, it makes sense to put it on 5 minutes before you need it and not 30 minutes before. Regular water heater maintenance can help in extending or improving the life of your heater. You can also get your water heater repaired by Denver Water Heaters.

  • Save more electricity by lowered temperature

Water heater maintenance is essential as you will save electricity as too. using a lower temperature setting, the water will reach that temperature quickly. The reduced temperature means the water heater will have to work less and this will improve its life. However, having warm water instead of very hot water in the tap will reduce chances or possibilities of any accidental burns. Lowering the thermostat is especially important for families with little children.Hot water heater maintenance is hence very crucial and important to make sure you never run out of hot water especially during winters.

  • Inspection of the anode rod inside the tank

Larger water heaters have an anti-rust anode rod inside the tank. This rod captures rust and other impurities that are present in the water, therefore preventing the tank from getting rusted. However, due to this, it itself rust away every few years.

Professionals suggest that you check or inspect the anode rod every three years to see if the outer layer of magnesium has corroded away and six inches or more of the inner steel core is visible. If that is the situation, then the rod needs to be changed. The rod also has to be changed if it is coated or glazed with whitish calcium sediments (this happens when the water is hard).

  • Check the pressure release valve

Check at least once a year if the temperature and pressure release valves are in good condition. You can check this by releasing or freeing the pressure a few times. If the relief valve at the water heater is leaking, then it’s a major issue . You just need to drain some water out of your water heater and remove the discharge tube. Thereafter replace the valve and it’s done!

  • Keep an eye on the plug

Power flux and using low capacity wiring for the power socket means your switch will make a spark from time to time. You will also see burn marks on your plug pins.

To prevent any future electrical short circuit from this, it is always better to use plugs and sockets that are new and have been wired properly and plugged in. MCBs are better made or constructed than regular plugs and will prevent or stop any short-circuit from happening. So, try to use an MCB switch instead of a regular one. The third thing you can do is to switch on the water heater only when you need it and switch it off immediately after you are done.

  • Change the plastic inflow and outflow pipes with metal ones

It is best to use metal inflow and outflow pipes since they are more resistant to heat than the normal plastic ones you get with a water heater. Also, remember to check the joints regularly. In case you see or notice whitish sediments from hard water or rust around the joints, then it is time to change the inflow or outflow pipe.

  • Get an annual maintenance done

Last but not the least: If you have no experience in doing maintenance work on a water heater, and want to avoid water heater problems, then it is better to book an expert from Denver Water Heaters to do the job rather than trying to wing it yourselves.They will help with cleaning your water heater as well.

Hot water is important to your comfort at home. Whether it be for a hot shower, to wash dishes or your hands, or do laundry, a broken water heater is a major inconvenience and can be very frustrating. Waking up to no hot water is the last thing you want to do. The good news is that Denver Water Heaters is here for you. You can depend on our team of experienced professionals to get to you on time and make sure you aren’t left in the cold for long. Restore comfort and inner peace knowing you don’t need to worry about your water heater. By performing annual maintenance, you can improve the life of your water heater, increase its efficiency, and lower your utility bill. At Denver Water Heaters, we offer comprehensive and standard water heater maintenance programs and installations.

Below is a Quick Look at How Our Licensed and Professional Plumbers Can Help

  • Yearly inspection.
  • Yearly sediment flush & drain of the tank.
  • Anode rod assessment & replacement.
  • Precision tune-up & safety check.
  • Water pressure testing.

Benefits of Our Water Heater Maintenance Programs

  • Helps prevent costly breakdowns
  • Ensures unit remains safe
  • Keeps unit at maximum efficiency
  • Prolongs life expectancy of the unit
  • Saves you time, money, and frustration

Frequently Asked Questions

Do hot water heaters need regular maintenance?

Water heaters most times work perfectly for a decade or more even without any care, so they’re easily neglected. But a few minutes of water heater maintenance annually pays off by extending and improving the tank’s life span and maintaining your water heater’s efficiency and safety.

How frequently should my hot water heater be serviced or inspected?

Professionals generally recommend that your water heater be drained and flushed annually to remove the buildup. This helps make sure you’re receiving the best supply of hot water your tank water heater can deliver to your home.

Should I drain my water heater every year?

Normally, it’s a good idea to drain your water heater annually, according to both BobVila.com and The Family Handyman. If you live in an area with hard water, you may need to drain it more often.

How often should I replace the anode in my hot water heater?

Most water heater manufacturers or producers will recommend inspecting the condition of the sacrificial anode every one to three years and replacing it when it has been consumed more than 50%.