Living without a water heater is almost hard to imagine. Who wants to hop in the shower and feel a constant stream of cold water? It also makes washing dishes and taking care of your home difficult. Cold water is a problem you might encounter when your water heater goes out. Instead of looking for warning signs that you need repairs, you can use some maintenance tips to cut down on repairs and make your water heater last longer.

Flush the Tank

The city’s water supply contains sediment that comes through your lines. This sediment consists of sand and other types of debris. It builds up inside the tank and keeps the water heater from running efficiently. Flushing the tank requires that you shut off the water and connect a hose. Once the water inside is cool, drain it through the hose. The water will flush out the excess sediment.

Test the Pressure Relief Valve

Water heaters have a pressure relief valve or TPR. It’s an important safety feature that opens if the water pressure inside is too high. This prevents the heater from exploding. Place a container under the valve and pull the lever up. If some water comes out, the TPR works. When the valve doesn’t work, you might see no water or a small dribble. You can either replace the valve or hire a plumber to replace it.

Check the Temperature

Some people think they need to use a high temperature to ensure they have enough hot water. If you find that you keep running out of hot water, look at the size of the tank and consider investing in a bigger one. Setting the water heater to a higher temperature can injure you and your family. The best temperature for most homes is around 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but some models have a maximum temperature setting of 140 degrees or higher. It only takes a few seconds to adjust the temperature.

Install a New Anode Rod

Water heaters have a lot of metal parts that include an anode rod. Though metal is prone to rusting when exposed to water, the anode rod in your water heater prevents corrosion. It usually only lasts around half as long as the water heater does. Installing a new one protects your water heater from rusting and only takes about an hour. Changes in the color of your water and sulfur smells are some of the signs of a bad anode rod.

Get more from your home’s water heater and cut down on the high cost of replacing it with some basic tips. The top maintenance tips you can use include checking the temperature, installing a new anode rod, testing the TPR, and flushing the tank. Reach out to All-Out Plumbing in Albuquerque, NM for all water heater repairs.