Water Heater Maintenance | Plumber Fort Worth
The water heater is one of the hardest working appliances in our homes, and especially those with a tank which runs 24/7 in order to maintain hot water. When you consider the appliance from this perspective, it should come as no surprise how short their service life really is. Add to the mix, the detrimental effects of hard water, and the potential service life is reduced. It makes sense to provide the water heater maintenance that will maintain its performance, and extend its service life as long as possible. The following overview consists of the recommended maintenance and tips for better performance. If you prefer professional maintenance, contact a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing plumber in Fort Worth today to schedule service.
Flush the Tank
Over time, most water heaters accumulate a deposit of sediment from the minerals in hard water, which reduce efficiency, performance, and its service life. To ensure the water heater functions properly and efficiently, flush the tank at least once a year. Furthermore, in areas with extremely hard water, a higher frequency may be required. The task is fairly simple and worth the effort if you want to maximize its energy efficiency and appliance service life. If you prefer a professional flush for the water heater, contact a Ben Franklin plumber in Fort Worth to provide it for you.
Add Insulation
Today’s water heaters are insulated in the factory, but older appliances lacking insulation can benefit from the addition of a water heater blanket if allowed. In addition, consider insulating the hot water pipes where they are accessible to reduce energy loss. This is especially beneficial for pipes that are not insulated, such as in the attic or basement.
Anode Rod
An anode rod attracts corrosive particles in the water and prevents rusting of the tank. In addition, the installation of an anode rod can also assist to extend the life of the water heater. Contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth to schedule installation.
Call Ben Franklin Plumbing
Our licensed plumbers can provide the water heater repair, installation and the professional water heater maintenance you need. A Ben Franklin plumber in Fort Worth will inspect the water heater, and provide any repairs required.
Reduce Hot Water Use
Low flow shower heads and faucet aerators are a great way to reduce your hot water and water consumption. These devices typically save an average family 14,000 gallons of water each year.
Check the Thermostat Setting
The thermostat setting on new water heaters are typically set to the factory default of 140 degrees F. This temperature should be changed to 120 degrees F to avoid scalding, and reduce energy consumption. In fact, the 20 degree reduction will reduce your water heater’s energy use by about 5% with this change.
When you consider the water heater is the second largest consumer of energy in the home, it is beneficial for your household and pocket to provide the maintenance that will assist in ensuring its performance and service life.
A Benjamin Franklin Plumbing plumber in Fort Worth offers a wide range of plumbing services, including water heater maintenance, water heater installation and water heater repair in Fort Worth. You can rely on Ben Franklin for plumbing expertise that meets and/or exceeds the industry standards. We serve Fort Worth, Arlington and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with a consistent A+ rating.
