A water heater is an essential appliance for most homeowners. Hot water provides you with more sanitary ways to wash and clean, cook food, and have more comfortable temperatures as you bathe and shower. 

When your hot water heater is on the fritz, regular household activities can be more difficult to complete. Many homeowners fail to realize that a broken water heater can also be a potentially dangerous situation for you and your loved ones. Performing regular care and maintenance of your heater will be an essential part of maintaining consistent temperatures and keeping everyone in your home safe and sound. 

Essential Care and Repair for Your Hot Water Heater

Repair for your hot water heater and maintenance steps are easy to implement with the help of a qualified plumbing technician. The following tips are intended to improve your water heater efficiency and save you the discomfort of an untimely breakdown or replacement. Blast away at this care checklist with your plumbing professional, and look forward to warm, comfortable water when you need it.

Adjust the Thermostat to Your Desired Temperature

Make sure that your water heater thermostat is set to your desired temperature, and that it is functioning properly. Setting it too hot may cause your unit to burn out prematurely, while a lower setting may not provide you with the heating capacity that you need for activities like showering, cleaning, and cooking.

Inspect the Pilot Light

Ensure that your water heater pilot light is lit and burning steadily. Any orange or flickering flame indicates that there may be trouble with your burners, the next component on our list.

Inspect and Clean the Burners

A clean burner will easily and efficiently deliver natural gas to a gas water heater, and clean burners in an electric model will easily heat water for use in your home. Dirty burners, however, have clogged elements that can compromise the efficiency and safety of your unit.

Check the Anode Rods

Anode rods are used in water heaters to protect the tank from excessive corrosion. They attract corrosive elements such as dissolved minerals and bacteria that would otherwise eat through your tank. As the anode rod corrodes, it creates a protective layer in the tank, preventing rusting from occurring.

Anode rods are meant to corrode completely as a means of protecting your tank; they must be inspected and replaced regularly to ensure proper function of your water heater.

Check the Pressure Relief Valve

The pressure relief valve is installed as a safety measure to prevent damage to your tank in the event of excessive pressure or temperatures. Located on the side or near the top of the tank, it works by automatically releasing water from your tank if levels are deemed unsafe. Testing the pressure relief valve regularly will ensure that it is working properly.

Drain and Flush the Tank

Regularly draining and flushing your water heater will help to remove sediment that can build up over time and affect its performance. This routine maintenance may be one of the most significant things you can do to preserve and protect the life of your unit.

Choose Quality Hot Water Heater Repair Services in Hampton, VA

Atlantic Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning Inc has several water heater repair services and other plumbing services intended to improve your home and its efficiency. Serving valued clients in the Hampton area, we provide valuable services such as HVAC maintenance, repair, installation, plumbing, and sewer line services, including repair service, and replacement. If your water heater has been failing to do the important work of providing hot water to your home, call our talented technicians today; we are ready to serve you! Contact Atlantic Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning now to make your appointment.