Basic Tips to Keep your Water Heater Running

The cold winter season in Birmingham brings a lot of extra maintenance around your home. It may not be the most fun or most festive, but taking the proper steps to keep your water heater functioning properly this winter may just be one of the most important things you do. Whether you’re having family over for a big Christmas party or leaving for a warmer climate on a holiday vacation, the last thing you want is to run out of hot water or to have your pipes freeze. On a cold night this is a very real possibility if you don’t properly prepare. If you’re not entirely sure what to do to maintain your water heater, here are three tips to make sure your unit is ready for the coming season.

1. Flush it

No not your toilet, flush your water heater! This is the easiest form of maintenance for a water heater. By performing a flush, this will help control the buildup of mineral deposits in the tank. Here’s how to do it:

• Locate your breaker or fuse box and turn off your electric water heater. Also turn off your water supply.
• Connect a garden hose to your tank’s drain valve.
• Place the drain end of the hose in an area that won’t be affected by hot water, like down your driveway, and open the drain valve until it is completely drained.
• Remove the hose and tightly close the drain valve.
• Turn back on your power and water supply and let the tank fill.

After this, your water heater will run more efficiently and for a longer period of time.

2. Check the Anode Rod

An anode rod is a piece of metal that extends into the tank, attracting all the corrosive elements that would cause the tank to rust. While helping your water heater, this process causes the anode rod itself to rust away. When the rod is nearly completely consumed by rust, your tank is in danger of taking on that rust damage next. To avoid this, it’s important to check it periodically and replace it as needed to get a long life out of your water heater.

3. Regular Maintenance

To keep your water heater running at its best during the winter, it should be properly checked at least once per year. This can be accomplished through an expert plumber, like those at Drainblaster Plumbing Service. On our annual maintenance calls, we:

• Clean the tank
• Inspect the tank
• Repair leaks
• Adjust the thermostat

We are Birmingham’s most-trusted plumbers for water heater maintenance and repair. Don’t take a chance at going even one winter day without hot water in your home. Call us today at 205-585-9060 for a home plumbing visit and put your fears at ease.