There are many benefits to taking good care of your water heater. Short term, the most obvious benefit is reducing heat loss by as much as 45% which can save your hard earned cash when it comes to your water heating expenses. There are several inexpensive ways that you can increase your water heater’s efficiency from adding insulation and setting the temperature to flushing the tank and examining your anode rod.
Professional Water Heater Repair
It is important to remember that tips for improving and maintaining your water heaters efficiency should never replace a professional Orsack Plumbing Company maintenance and service plan. If your heater is struggling, making unusual noises or you are experiencing problems with a leak, contact the professionals at Orsack Plumbing Company to schedule a full inspection and repair. Never try to fix your hot water heater on your own, doing so may void your manufactures warranty or cause additional damage which can result in expensive repair costs or replacement
If you are handy with a tool set, the professionals at Orsack Plumbing Company have prepared the following set of steps for improving and maintaining your water heaters efficiency.
Step 1: Test the TPR (Temperature-pressure-release) Valve
Shut off both the power and the cold-water supply valve. Place a bucket or container of a suitable size under the pipe that is connected to the TPR valve located on the top or side of the tank. The TPR value is designed to open if the pressure within the tank becomes too high. Lift the valve’s tab to discharge some of the water, then release. If water continues to flow, drain the tank part way, unscrew the existing valve and replace with a new one.
Step 2: Check the Anode Rod in Hot Water Heater
Place a hose on the tanks drain cock and release a couple of gallons of water. Fit a 1 1/16-inch socket onto the head of the rod located on top of the water heater, if you don’t see it check under the top plate. Unscrew the rod, and examine it for mineral build up. If it is coated with calcium deposit and less than ½ inch thick replace with a new one.
Step 3: Drain the Tank and Clean out Sediment
Drain the remaining water in the tank into a bucket or container, once the tank is empty stir the sediment in the tanks bottom by opening the cold-water supply valve. Drain and repeat until clean water comes out of the hose. Close the drain cock, refill the tank and turn the power back on.
Step 4: Adjusting the Temperature of Your Hot Water Heater
Locate the temperature valve on the side of the tank and unscrew the cover. Using a flat head screwdriver adjust the dial to 120 degrees. For every 10 degrees that the temperature is lowered, you can save 5% in energy costs. If you plan on being out of town for three days or more, the experts at Orsack Plumbing recommend turning your water heater down to its lowest setting or turning it off completely.
Step 5: Apply Insulation to the Pipes
Purchase a package of self-sticking 3/8-inch foam pipe insulation that will match the diameter of your pipe. Slide the foam over the hot and cold water pipes as far as you are able to reach. Peel the tape and squeeze the insulation until it closes. By applying insulation to the cold water pipe, you will prevent condensation during the summer months.
Step 6: Apply Insulation to the Hot Water Heater
Insulation blanket can be cut to fit around your pipes, the TPR value and the temperature control that comes out of the tank. Wrap the side of the tank and seal cuts with foil tape. Never cover the tops of oil or gas heaters but you can cap an electric heater with an oversized circle of insulation. Make sure that you tape the edges of the insulation securely to the side of the tank to ensure optimal efficiency.
