How to Care for Your Water Heater

How to Care for Your Water Heater

A water heater is an essential part of your home, as it does exactly what the name implies — heats up the water in your home. However, not everyone is as familiar with their water heater as they should be. Much like any other appliance in your home, it’s vital to maintain your water heater throughout the year so that you don’t find yourself with either a leak or no hot water when you need it most. Luckily, if you do have a problem at some point, and you live in the greater Vegas area, our team at Thistle DKI is here to help! We offer a variety of plumbing, water heater repairs and replacements, and emergency mitigation services to ensure that your home is in tip-top shape at all times. Explore our website to discover our services, and continue reading below for a few tips on how you can maintain your water heater and ensure that it’s functioning properly all year long.

An image of a man working on a water heater.

Check the Pressure Valve

The pressure valve is designed as a safety measure to help release any excess pressure that’s built up in the water heater tank. If this valve becomes damaged, it can cause some serious problems, such as water leaks or even explosions. It’s important to check this valve regularly to make sure that it’s functioning properly.

The way to check if the pressure valve is functioning properly is to first shut off the electricity to the water heater and turn off the gas, if applicable. Next, you should place a bucket underneath the pressure relief valve to catch any water. Once the bucket is in place, pull the trip lever on the valve. If your valve is functioning properly, you will hear a slight rush of air or see water and vapor exit through the valve. If you don't see any of these things, you will need to drain your water heater tank and replace the valve or call our experts at Thistle DKI to assist you.

An image of a hose hooked to a water heater to flush it.

Flush the Tank

Over time, sediment and minerals can build up in the bottom of your water heater tank. This not only takes up space in the tank, but can also lead to corrosion. To prevent this from happening, you should flush out your water heater tank at least once a year. Luckily, this is a fairly easy process that can be done at home on your own. All you have to do is turn off the electricity and gas, connect a garden hose to the tank's drain valve, and drain the water until it runs clear.

An image of a water heater.

Insulate Older Water Heaters and Pipes

For older water heaters, it’s important to take measures to help preserve heat for your water heater. One way to do this is by insulating the pipes and water heater tank with a thermal blanket or insulation foam. This will help ensure that your water stays hot, even when the weather outside is cold, as well as keep your pipes from freezing.

An image of a man adjusting a water heater.

Replace the Filter

One part of this maintenance that often gets overlooked is replacing the filter. The filter helps keep out sediment and particles from entering into the tank and clogging up the system. Depending on the type of water heater you have, you may need to replace this filter every few months or once a year.

These are just a few tips that you should keep in mind to help you properly care for your water heater. If you have any questions or you suspect that your water heater is in need of professional maintenance, don't hesitate to reach out to our team at Thistle DKI in Vegas for all of your water heater repair needs!