Your Annual Water Heater Maintenance

By theadmin

Although the average water heater lasts 10 to 15 years, water heater failure is one of the top five sources of residential water damage, according to an Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety study. And when it fails, it can be costly.

That’s why the Texas Department of Insurance recommends homeowners check their units for rust, cracks, and clogs at least once a year.

“It is important that you have your hot water heater serviced by a licensed plumber on an annual basis,” advises Paul Pustka, a Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent in Shelby County. “When dealing with water, pipes do corrode, pans can rust, pop-off valves can go bad, and a leak can be the result. While homeowners may have coverage for this, the damage and repairs are a huge mess and can cause much grief. Prevention is the key and will save a huge headache.”

So rather than paying costly repair bills after your hot water heater breaks or spending a small fortune to replace your broken unit, take these steps to extend its longevity and keep it from faltering.

Drain Your Tank

Older tanks can retain sediment that builds up over time and clogs your tank or makes it work harder. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends draining a quart of water from the tank every three months to remove the sediment. For a full tank flush, call in reinforcements from your local plumber or technician.

Dial It Back

Reduce your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees by using the dial after checking the temperature with a cooking thermometer. Higher temperatures tend to increase sediment buildup.

Soften the Water

Some parts of Texas have water with high mineral content (a.k.a. hard water) that can cause scaling and buildup of mineral deposits in water heaters. Installing a water softener can help reduce this buildup and increase the life of the unit.

Schedule a Checkup

Just like you schedule regular dental visits and physical exams for you and your family, you should schedule an annual checkup for your water heater with a licensed professional to make sure everything is in good shape.

A professional can also install a pressure-regulating valve. It helps reduce water pressure, which can damage your water heater and cause the unit to fail prematurely.

Going Tankless

Small tankless units can be installed almost anywhere to heat water on demand, thus reducing energy loss from stored water. In fact, tankless water heaters are around 30% more energy efficient and can last up to twice as long as conventional storage-tank water heaters. Although the initial costs are fairly high, Energy Star estimates an annual savings of $100 or more for the average household.

Call your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent to make sure your property insurance policy has the coverage you need, and examine other potential water-damage risks in your home.