Many diligent and careful homeowners are unaware that there are several things that they can do to keep their home’s heating system and hot water tank in better conditions.
While your tank might be working well, chances are that you might know somebody who has dealt with flooding and other problems in their home due to a faulty hot water heater.
Following these simple maintenance tips will help you avoid disasters at home, extend the life of your heating system, and reduce your energy bills.
Professional Inspections:
Ideally, you should have your hot water tank and heating system inspected by a professional plumber at least once every two years.
The hot water repair team at Damien McEvoy Plumbing will be happy to come and have a look at your system and try to find any initial signs of faults that could turn into something bigger if left unchecked.
You should also hire a professional plumber if you need to have any large repair tasks carried out on your heating system such as part replacement, new heater fitting, or conducting major fixes.
Check the Pressure Relief Value and Temperature:
At least once per year, you should inspect the pressure relief valve and check the temperature to make sure that everything is working as it should.
To do this, place a bucket underneath the drainpipe before gently raising and lowering the valve.
When you do this, hot water should rush out of the drainpipe – if there’s no flow of water, you may need to contact a plumber to replace the value.
Bear in mind that while this simple test that you can do yourself will help you ensure that the waterways are clear, it won’t tell you if there is a build-up of corrosion, rust or mineral salt that could lead to operational problems.
Maintain the Right Temperature:
Your hot water tank should ideally be set to between 55-60 degrees.
Any lower, and there will be a much higher risk of harmful bacteria developing in your water and heating system, and higher temperatures put you and your family at a raised risk of burns.
Keeping the temperature at the lower end of the optimal range will extend the life of the appliance and may also lead to lower water bills.
Check for Leaks:
A hot water tank that is leaking can lead to expensive water damage and much higher utility bills.
You should check for leaks every few months at least since even the smallest of leaks can cause serious trouble in your home if left unchecked.
If you discover any obvious leaks, water pooling at the base of the tank, or rust stains that are likely to have been caused by leaking, it’s important to call a professional who can look at the tank and carry out any necessary repairs quickly.
Your home’s heating and hot water systems are crucial to everybody’s comfort, and problems with the hot water system can cause a disaster at home.
Keep these tips in mind to boost the longevity and functionality of your hot water system.