As a homeowner, there is endless things to do in regard to keeping everything in your home working properly. It is much smarter to seek preventative maintenance then to face a huge repair bill for some comfort feature in your home, such as the hot water heater.
The fact is these repairs can become quite costly, straining your budget at the most inconvenient times. The good news is that the hot water is not extremely demanding in terms of preventative maintenance, but these small actions can make it last a much longer time.
Many homeowners consider their hot water heater – regardless of the type – as a maintenance free appliance. However, this is simply not true. There are quite a few things that can be done to ensure they operate properly and efficiently. Some of these things include:
1. Inspect it visually on a regular basis. The first type of maintenance for your hot water heater is visual inspection. It is a good idea to take a close look at it each month. Check for smaller leaks or any signs of corrosion, which may mean a bigger issue is looming.
2. Drain the unit. It is a good idea to drain the entire hot water heater about twice a year. This will help to remove any sediment and other elements that have collected at the bottom. There are a number of areas there the water is extremely hard and will contain a large number of sand, minerals and other solids, which can be quite harmful to the hot water heater if they continue to build up over time.
When you drain the unit, it is crucial that you first turn off the power for electric units and gas supply for gas units. If it is an instantaneous unit, then this step is not necessary. If you do not turn off these sources of power, it can cause damage to the entire unit.
If you are unsure of how to care for your hot water heater, regardless of the type you have installed, you should call on a professional. Remember, no two services are created equally, which means you should take the time to find a professional who understands your specific type of unit. This will pay off in the long run and minimise the repair costs you will incur.
Contact SolarBright for more information on caring for your hot water heating system.
