Here are some things you can do on your own however having a plumber periodically check your water heater is also an important part of maintenance.
Check your water heater temperature setting.
- Check the temperature setting on your water heater. On a gas heater there will be a knob on the gas valve. On an electric water heater look for the thermostat behind a panel.
- Keep the temperature between 115 to 120 degrees F.
- By lowering the temperature setting you will protect the tank from overheating, protect your family from any scalding injuries and reduce the energy used to heat the water.
Remove sediment from the bottom of the tank with a “mini flush”
- This is important to prevent rust, corrosion and also improves the efficiency of the water heater.
- This mini-flush is not as beneficial as a full-flush, but a full-flush requires shutting down the water heater. Your plumber should perform a full-flush during a regular yearly maintenance inspection.
- For a mini-flush, place a bucket under the drain valve found near the bottom of the tank.
- Drain valve may have a handle or a short handle-less stem with a slot for a flat blade screwdriver.
- Close the valve by turning it clockwise and drain the bucket.
