Home maintenance is a necessary process in order to keep everything functioning efficiently and properly. Maintaining items in the home such as the water heater can prevent you from having to pay for costly or unexpected repairs. There are certain water heater maintenance items that should be done periodically, while other items can be done once in order to improve upon how well your tank is already operating.

Testing the TPR Valve

The TPR valve is the valve that opens up when the pressure in your water heater tank gets too high. This item should be tested periodically to ensure that this safety measure is still in working order. First you want you to shut off the power supply to the tank as well as the valve that supplies water to the unit. Place a bucket underneath the TPR valve and lift the valve. Some water will come out but if your valve is functioning properly, the water will stop flowing.

Checking the Anode Rod

The anode rode in your heater prevents the inside of the tank from rusting. The only issue you usually will have with this piece is if it becomes too corroded with mineral deposits over time. You can simply drain some water out of the tank, and remove the rod from the top of your water heater. You will be able to see if it is coated with deposits or if it is still functioning properly.

Draining the Tank

There is a drain valve on the bottom of your tank. You can hook up a hose to this spot and drain the water out along with any sediment that has accumulated. This will give your tank more space to hold water and reduce the risk of needed repairs.

Insulation

You can add insulation to the tank itself and the pipes feeding the unit. This will help retain hot water, reducing monthly costs.

There are many benefits that can occur when you are properly maintaining your home and water heater. When you add insulation and make sure the unit is running properly, you not only reduce the amount of heat loss you will experience by as much as forty-five percent, but you can also reduce your monthly utility costs and eliminate having to purchase a new unit prematurely. A little home maintenance work now can save you a big headache later on.