Homes have different components that allow them to work efficiently. It may not seem like it, but even the smallest of appliances can affect your quality of living should the time come that they stop functioning correctly.
One example of such an appliance is electric water heaters or heaters in general. Electric water heaters make it possible for you and your household to have warm showers even during the coldest of days, so it will do you good to invest the time to maintain it well.
Here are some ways to manage your electric heater and prolong its lifespan:
Know the Model of Your Electric Water Heater
The first step to looking after your electric water heater is knowing what model you have. It will tell you the heater’s capacity and age. You may even find out about a possible warranty for your electric water heater.
If you purchased the water heaters in your home, you’re good to go. However, if you bought or rented the property with the heaters already built-in, the situation may be a bit tricky.
Some heaters have markers on them to detail their model. If yours doesn’t, you may want to consider hiring a plumbing company to inspect the unit and tell you your electric water heaters’ exact brand and model.
Regularly Inspect the Electric Water Heater
Like most appliances, electric water heaters wear down over time, which is why you must perform routine inspections to prevent your units from breaking completely.
During inspections, there are a few parts that you need to keep a close eye on, the first of which is the temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve. This small component allows you to release steam or water from the electric water heater, limiting the potential of high pressure.
Following the TPR valve is the anode rod, which attracts corrosive materials, so the inside of the tank doesn’t rust. Generally, it’s best to replace anode rods every three years, but you should also examine them for calcium coating or exposed core steel wires.
Adjust the Temperature
The default setting for most electric water heaters is 140 degrees, which is 20 degrees higher than you would want it to be.
If you didn’t change yours from the default setting or turned it off at one point, you may want to bring the temperature down to 120 degrees.
Having your heaters at 120 degrees saves you at least 5 percent energy. However, this comes with a risk in the form of legionella bacteria. If you have family members with immune system disorders, you may have to revert the setting to 140 degrees to meet their needs.
Address Hard Water Issues
Hard water is water with a high concentration of mineral ions. The minerals in hard water can cause filtration problems, clogged pipes, and damaged electric water heaters.
Over time, hard water develops in electric water heaters, especially if they’re regularly in use. Studies have found that water heaters with hard water consume more energy. It can also destroy pipes over time.
Given this, it’s best to invest in hard water treatment as soon as possible. Consider hiring plumbing services immediately if you’re unsure how to check for hard water in your heaters.
The Bottom Line
Electric water heaters play important roles in your household’s daily life, so it would do you good if you spent the time doing regular inspections to ensure that the units are in tip-top shape.
It may be best to acquire professional water heater repair services if you encounter problems instead of depending on DIY solutions. Trying to solve the issues yourself may cause more harm, resulting in you spending more money.
If you’re looking for water heater repair in Columbiana, AL, contact Professor Plumb. We’re a veteran-owned plumbing company with over twenty years of experience in the field. We’ll do our best to address any concerns you have and deliver service excellence. Book an appointment today!