What Upkeep Does Your Water Heater Need?

Water heater maintenance lowers your energy spending and keeps your showers steamy!

There’s a good chance that no piece of equipment gets more use in your home than your water heater. Not a day goes by that you don’t call upon this unit to heat water for showers, hot water taps, washers and dishwashers. Your quality of life really depends on how effectively it operates, and your home’s budget will also be heavily affected by your water heater’s efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that roughly 18% of a home’s annual energy consumption involves water heating.

Happily, there is some basic water heater upkeep that can keep your system running at peak efficiency, reduce the amount of propane or natural gas you use and lower the chance of a sudden water heater breakdown.

Keep Your Water Heater Running Strong with an Annual Flush

Over time, sediment naturally builds up inside your water heater tank, reducing its efficiency and increasing the risk of corrosion. A yearly flush can prevent these issues and extend the life of your equipment. Always check your manufacturer’s guide first, but here’s a quick overview of the process:

1. Turn your water heater to “Off” or “Pilot.”
2. Close the cold water supply valve.
3. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve and direct it to a safe drainage spot.
4. Open a hot water faucet to prevent airlocks.
5. Drain the tank completely, then reopen the cold water valve to flush out remaining sediment.
6. Close the drain valve, remove the hose, and let the tank refill.
7. Turn your water heater back to its normal setting.

Do you have a tankless water heater? It’s also a good idea to flush your system each year to prevent various deposits from accumulating in its components. The process for doing this differs from system to system, but it’s typically a DIY procedure that’s clearly outlined in your owner’s guide.

The simple routine of flushing your water heater helps your system run efficiently and keeps your hot water flowing cleanly year after year.

Save Energy with Smart Temperature Adjustments

You can easily cut energy costs and protect your water heater with a few quick settings changes:

• Set the temperature to 120°F. Most water heaters default to 140°F, but lowering it saves energy, prevents scalding and still keeps water hot enough for daily use.
• Use Vacation Mode. When you’re away from home, activate vacation or low-temperature mode to reduce unnecessary fuel use.

Small adjustments like these help your water heater deliver comfort, savings and long-lasting performance.

Know When to Bring in the Pros from LG Jordan

At LG Jordan Oil & Gas, we sell, install and service top-rated tankless water heaters from industry leader Rinnai. Our factory-trained, highly experienced team is at your service for professional water heater maintenance that will restore your system to its best energy efficiency, improve the cleanliness of your home’s hot water and minimize the need for system repairs.

LG Jordan Oil & Gas proudly serves homes in Raleigh, Apex, Fuquay-Varina and nearby North Carolina communities. Contact us today for a free estimate.