Tips to Maintain your Water Heater this Winter

When it’s cold outside, a nice hot shower or bath can be just what you need to get warmed back up. You’ll want to make sure to keep your water heater running smoothly this season so you and your family can enjoy hot water whenever you need it. Here at Apple Plumbing, Heating, & Air, we have some valuable tips to help you maintain your water heater during these colder months!

• Flush the tank by attaching a hose to the drain valve and let the water drain away from the tank into a bucket. This helps remove sediment and increases your water heater’s efficiency. Refill the tank and turn the power or gas back on.
• Have a professional check your anode rod to make sure it is not corroded. The anode rod is a metal rod that is responsible for protecting the tank from corrosion. If it is more than half corroded, you will need to have it replaced.
• If you have a tankless water heater, it’s very important to replace the air intake filter regularly. A dirty filter can cause the unit to overheat and essentially shut down on you.
• If your water heater is set too low, it can create an environment that’s ideal for bacteria. Check to make sure your water heater is running at 120°F to minimize bacterial growth.

While you can inspect and maintain your water heater to a certain extent, it is always a good idea to have it done by a professional to know that it is operating as efficiently as possible. Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your water heater, which saves you money down the line! Call us today at 410-840-8118 for a complete water heater inspection, and we’ll make sure it’s working efficiently and safely!