Water Heater Maintenance Tips and Tricks
San Antonio has Hard Water
San Antonio has the joy of having the San Antonio River running directly through town. San Antonio is also unique for its water and natural gas systems, which includes the town’s water supply, sourced mainly from the Edwards Aquifer. While aquifer water has benefits, it also has the tendency to introduce limestone to the water and other water-hardening sediments or minerals.
Sediment Build Up is Preventable
Sediment buildup is caused by hard water and is entirely preventable. This hard water deposits limestone and calcium into the water system and ultimately into your water heater and surrounding pipes. To make your water heater last for as long as you expect it to, this requires regular maintenance.
Overall, it is a smart idea to check in on your water heater to make sure it’s operating at full capacity. If it is not, and the water heater is struggling, then you could have sediment build up. All water heaters will face sediment deposits from the water that comes through the water pipes. That includes tanked models, tankless models, and hybrid models of water heaters. Yes, modern plumbing and technology can go hand in hand for the maintenance and filtration of the water in your home or business. Electric or gas water heaters can usually be maintained in similar ways, but check your water heaters manual for more details that are directly related to care for your unit.
Our Top 10 Tips for Water Heaters in 2024.
- Flush the water heater every year
- We recommend ever 6 months if you live in an area with hard water
- Tankless water heaters are least likely to have these issues, but should still be serviced once a year.
- If you leave town and your water heater has a vacation setting.
- We recommend using it while away on trips. That way the pilot light is still on at minimal power, but the water will not be heated.
- We recommend using it while away on trips. That way the pilot light is still on at minimal power, but the water will not be heated.
- Winter is coming, so consider insulating your water heaters pipes.
- We recommend this mainly for older units, but any unit can benefit from insulation to protect your hot water from the harsh cold.
- Want a professional to handle the winterizing? Consider our Winter Ready Special to prepare your home for Winter.
- Test the temperature release valve annually.
- This controls the temperature of your hot water. If this fails the showers may get pretty icy.
- If you have a tanked unit, it is good to drain the tank and remove sediment every 6 months to a year.
- Tanked units can develop build up in pipes and the tank itself over time.
- Check your anode rod regularly for damage
- This protects the water tank from the development of rust, and is a critical component for the water heater’s longevity.
- Check for drips or leaks on or near your water heater
- A common water heater leak is caused by a loose drain valve. If loose, tighten with a wrench until it is snug. Use caution and do not attempt to turn any tighter, as this may strip the valve.
- A common water heater leak is caused by a loose drain valve. If loose, tighten with a wrench until it is snug. Use caution and do not attempt to turn any tighter, as this may strip the valve.
Set your water heater to 120 degrees.
- For every 10 degrees the temperature is lowered, you can expect to save up to 5 percent in energy costs on water heating for the home or business.
- For tankless models, replace the air intake as instructed by the manufacturer.
- If these filters clog up, it will cause the tankless water heater to overheat and shut down.
- Have your water heater looked at by a professional plumber
- Yes, while most maintenance can be handled without a plumber, it’s always a good idea to have a professional check on the water heater if something is amiss or not functioning properly.
San Antonio Can Have Soft and Clean Water
If certain events have caused you to consider water softening there are multiple ways to achieve that goal. From filtered pitchers and water bottles, to water filtration systems and water softeners, there is pretty much every way possible to upgrade the taste and efficiency of your water. Ask your local plumber how to get started.
Water softening removes access calcium and limestone from the water. This is usually the build up that causes most disasters in water heaters.
We are proud to offer these hi-tech systems for water softening
We also offer the following systems for whole house filtration. Unlike common filters in pitchers, these filtration systems have multiple ways to clean and condition the water before it ever enters your home or business.
- Halo 5 Whole House Water Filtration System
- Under-the-sink Water Filtration Systems
- Whole House Drinking Water Systems
- And More!
We are happy to offer these systems on hand, but we are always happy to special order you a new system upon request.
Does this sound like your water situation?
Call us today for an estimate to upgrade your homes water. Whether that be a nice new water filtration system or a high tech water softening system, Reliant Plumbing is here to provide you with the best plumbing service for all your residential or commercial plumbing needs. Give us a call and let us help you with your next business or home project.