A water heater is an unrecognized hero in most homes. It provides hot water for dishes, showers, and other things without fault most of the time. Energy-efficient water heaters accomplish this while saving homeowners money. According to Bob Vila, an energy-efficient water heater can save up to 50% of energy usage. Use these basic water heater maintenance tips to ensure your hot water heater continues to function without fault.

Clean the Area

Water heaters are typically placed in basements, making them prone to accumulating dust. Homeowners should dust the hot water heater regularly, and ensure that the surrounding area is free from dust or debris. This ensures that the product will continue to function properly, and can help prevent a fire.

Flush the Tank

Sediment can slowly settle in the bottom of a hot water heater as time goes on. This creates dirt and bacteria that can make its way into the water supply of the home. The excess sediment in the bottom of the tank can also put additional strain on the hot water tank, leading to costly water heater repair. Instead, hire a professional to flush the tank annually.

Install Pipe Insulation

The pipes leading to your hot water heater are often exposed to the chilly conditions in your basement. In order for your water heater to heat the water, it requires more energy because it has to work harder. Overall, this extra work means you'll need repairs sooner. Instead, talk to a contractor to see if wrapping some insulation around exposed pipes to lessen the load on your water heater will be beneficial.

Schedule Professional Inspections

Hiring a professional that specializes in hot water heater repair to perform regular inspections can have multiple benefits. First, a professional can spot components on the water heater that are worn out before they go bad, ensuring that you have a continuous supply of hot water. Second, they can give you tips to maximize the lifespan of the water heater. Finally, they can flush the tank, insulate pipes, and do what they can to help increase functionality.

Hot water heaters require maintenance and regular inspections to ensure that they continue to work properly. Having a professional with experience in water heater repair on call when something does happen, such as the pilot light going out, is another added benefit. Give us a call today at Morgal Plumbing Industries, LLC when you're ready for your annual inspection.