As fall flies by and winter approaches, you are probably already preparing your home for the colder weather (at least we hope so!). This seasonal maintenance should include your water heater as well! Completing these water heater maintenance checks can ensure you’re satisfied with your hot water supply as the temperature drops, as well as prevent any major issues.

• Flush Out the Tank: It’s best to empty your water tank and clean it out at least once a year. Doing so allows you to clean out any sediments that may have accumulated. You’ll want to do this during the fall, as most households tend to use more hot water in the upcoming colder months. Leaving excessive sediment to collect in the tank can cause corrosion to happen sooner.
• Replace Anode Rod: Anode rods are made of magnesium, zinc or aluminum around a steel core. These rods are temporary but play a crucial role in preventing the water tank from rusting. In general, the anode rod is meant to react and corrode in place of the metal within the water storage tank. Therefore, if you inspect the anode rod and it’s very corroded, you should replace it to prevent damage to the tank. Anode rods can last for three to five years before needing a replacement, but it could be sooner depending on several factors. It’s a good practice to check it every few months as part of water heater maintenance.
• Turn Up the Water Temperature: When the temperatures drop, your water heater may not be able to make up the difference in temperature with your current heat settings. After all, the heated water will need to travel through the pipes before reaching your sink or shower. To compensate, you may need to increase the water heater’s temperature by a few degrees in order to experience sufficiently heated water.

If you’re having issues with your water heater, give us a call at 1-800-989-0299! We’re available 24/7 for all your plumbing and HVAC needs.