No one wants to be without hot water, especially during the colder months. So, how can you prevent your hot water heater from breaking? The average homeowner spends more time in their home than any other place. Hot water is an essential part of keeping it clean, warm and comfortable.
However, hot water heaters aren’t always as reliable and safe as you’d like them to be. That’s because most hot water heaters are just that – hot water heaters. They have no valves or thermostats, so there’s no way to control when the water comes out or at what temperature it will come out.
This means a leaky hot water heater is likely to be the source of frequent repairs for most homeowners, who can expect new pipes from leaks every few months. The good news is that you can minimise your chance of having a leaky heater by taking some simple steps before you install one, and once again after you replace it with one that won’t leak.
Inspect your hot water heater for any signs of wear and tear
A little wear and tear can be easily fixed with a few simple tools, but some signs of trouble are better to catch before the heaters start to leak. If you find rust on your hot water heater’s exterior, that’s a good sign that repairs are needed. And if your unit is old enough, you should also look for signs of wear such as missing paint or rust stains on the inside. Signs like these indicate that you might want to upgrade your hot water heater.
Most homeowners don't think about their hot water heater until it breaks down. But, by then, it's often too late to prevent serious damage. That's why it's important to inspect your hot water heater regularly for any signs of wear and tear. Whether you have a gas or electric water heater, there are some common signs to look out for that could indicate a problem.
By being proactive and inspecting your water heater on a regular basis, you can help prevent expensive repairs or even replacement. So, what should you be looking for? Here are four signs that your hot water heater may be in trouble:
- leaking water
- strange noises
- lukewarm water
- rusting metal parts. If you notice any of these issues with your hot water heater, be sure to contact a qualified technician right away for further diagnosis and repair.
Flush the tank regularly to remove sediment buildup
If you've ever had your water heater serviced, you know that one of the most important things they do is flush the tank. This helps to remove any sediment buildup that can occur over time. But did you know that you can actually do this yourself?
First, Check your tank regularly to ensure that it is always clean and free of any sediment buildup.
Second, Flushing your tank will remove this buildup and ensure that the water coming out of the faucet is fresh.
Third, Wipe down the outside of your tank regularly to help prevent rusting. This can be as simple as wiping the outside with a rag or using a cleaner.
Finally, Secure all connections in your hot water heater Before you disconnect your old appliance, run a hose from an outdoor spigot into the new one to make sure there are no leaks in the lines at all points along the way.
A leaking hot water heater can cause far more damage than just leaking water – it can lead to mould or even flooding. Hot water heaters are one of the most important appliances in your home. They provide you with hot water for bathing, cooking, and cleaning.
Check the temperature setting to make sure it's not too high or low
If you've ever found yourself feeling too hot or cold in your home, there's a good chance that the temperature setting on your thermostat is to blame. Fortunately, it's easy to adjust the temperature and get things back to normal.
The first step of prevention is to make sure that the temperature setting on your hot water heater isn’t too high or low. To prevent a water heater from bursting, make sure it’s set at heating level “medium-high. Here are some things you should do in order to prevent a leak:
- Check the temperature settings and make sure they're not higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Check that there's nothing blocking the flow of hot water to the exterior parts of the heater.
- Check for leaks at all components, including joints, pipes, and valves.
Insulate the tank with a blanket if it's not already insulated
If you're using a propane or oil heater to keep your water warm, you'll want to insulate the tank. This will help keep the heat in and save you money on your energy bill. You can buy a special tank blanket or wrap it with an old blanket.
One of the first signs that your hot water heater is leaking is a water line running down the side of your house. If you want to save money on your energy bills, one of the best things you can do is insulate the tank on your water heater. This will help keep the heat in, and prevent it from being lost through the walls of the tank.
- Gather some blankets or other thick fabric and cut them into strips that will fit snugly around the circumference of your tank.
- Make sure the surface of the tank is clean and dry before beginning. Then, starting at the bottom of the tank, begin wrapping the fabric strips around it, overlapping as you go up.
- Once you've reached the top of the tank, tuck any excess fabric under itself so that it's secure, then stand back and admire your work! Not only will this improve the efficiency of your propane usage, but it will also help keep your home warm in winter and cooler in summer. Give yourself a pat on the back – you're one step closer to being energy-efficient!
Repair any leaks immediately
One of the best ways to minimise your chances of having a leaky hot water heater is to fix any leaks that are present before you install the new one. Don’t wait for a leak to start in order to replace it. It’s easier and less costly to fix the problem than it is to try to repair it later.
If you have smaller leaks, run a little vinegar around them and let them dry up before turning on the water again – this will stop the water from seeping through. For larger leaks, contact a plumber who can seal them up with silicone or epoxy cement. If you have a leaky hot water heater, don't forget about maintaining its performance!
Once every few months, flush out sediment and rust buildup in your tank using an automatic tank cleaner like Tank-aid or English Plumbers Starter Kit (both available online). This will ensure that your system has enough circulation for reliable performance throughout the year.
Have the water heater serviced at least once a year
The first step to preventing a leak is to have the water heater serviced before you install it. A professional will check the unit for any leaks and make sure all of its components are in working order. They will also test the unit to help you determine if it’s the right size for your home.
Remember that with most residences, a smaller tank is going to heat more water than a larger one and might be more efficient. After your water heater has been inspected, you’ll want to ensure that there are no leaks before installing it.
First, look for any areas where pipes may be leaking under the house or near hot water lines. If you find anything, fix it before installing the unit and then go through everything again once it’s installed. If you live in an area prone to having a lot of humidity, consider installing an anti-corrosion device like a drain valve or screen on your hot water lines during installation of your new water heater.
