You rely on your water heater every single day – it’s how you enjoy a hot shower first thing in the morning, how you wash your clothes and how you run the dishwasher of an evening. By performing a few key maintenance tasks, you can save money on costly repairs as well as ensure that your heater continues to perform well for many years to come. Some of the most important maintenance tasks that you should be aware of include:

• Lower the temperature setting
  For many heaters, the default setting is over 54 degrees Celsius. Most professional plumbers actually recommend a temperature setting of between 46 and 49 degrees. A lower setting will not only help to reduce the chances of your unit overheating (which can be costly), it can also help you to save you up to 5% on your energy bills. You should be able to do this on the unit itself; see the manual if you need assistance.
   
• Inspect the temperature and pressure relief valve
  This is your water heater’s safety valve. If the unit was to continue to heat water, even after reaching a set temperature, the built up pressure could lead to an explosion. To prevent such a disaster, excess pressure and temperature is expelled through this valve. To inspect, lift up on the lever partway and allow it to snap back into place (you should hear a gurgling noise; if nothing happens, contact a professional).
   
• Perform a mini flush
  Over time, sediment can build up in the tank (which can both corrode it and decrease the overall efficiency of the heater). To prevent this problem from occurring, you need to regularly flush the unit. How often you do this will depend on the hardness and the acidity of the water in your area. Simply place a bucket underneath the drain valve, carefully open the valve and close it once you’ve emptied 3 to 7 litres.
   
• Wrap the tank in an insulating blanket
  Placing an insulating blanket around your water heater’s tank, as well as insulating any exposed pipes, can help to reduce the system’s energy consumption. It does this by decreasing the amount of standby heat loss. This can also help to extend the life of the unit by lowering the demand that is placed on it. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, you can always ask a professional to come out.
   
• Have it inspected annually
  Your heater will require regular maintenance from certified and trained professionals. They will inspect the various components of the heater that you don’t have safe access to, including: inspecting and cleaning the burner assembly, inspecting and repairing the exhaust flue, checking for leaks and corrosion, and recommending replacement of the anode rod. A professional will also let you know if it’s time to upgrade.

Whether you have a brand new water heater or your home has been using the same one for years, it’s never too late to start performing some key maintenance tasks. The end goal is to keep the heater performing at its optimum for as long as possible, avoiding the need for costly repairs and early replacement. Seek the manufacturer’s advice if you have any questions about maintenance for your particular model – never go in blind.

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