Increase the Life of Your Water Heater

Hot water has become a modern necessity—something we use every single day. It helps us wash our clothes, do the dishes, and even have a hot bath or shower. The water heater is an important appliance in our homes and we often take it for granted until the hot water runs out. That is why it is so important to have annual maintenance done to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your home’s water heater.

Bradley Mechanical offers ongoing maintenance and service options for your water heating system. Let our team of certified technicians keep your water heater running at its best.

Flush it out.

It’s not a chore that comes to mind often but flushing out your water heater is something that can definitely improve efficiency and extend its longevity. Water often contains many dissolved minerals. While these minerals may be harmless and safe to drink, they can settle to the bottom of your water heater and cause damage to the heating elements.

Adjust the temperature.

Adjusting the temperature of your water heater can make a difference in the wear and tear on it as well as save some money on your energy bill. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends setting your water heater to 120°F because it is hot enough to kill most diseases but not cause accidental scalding. Also, higher temperatures can increase sediment buildup. Every 10 degrees you lower the water temperature, you’ll be saving 3 to 5 percent on your energy bill.

Insulate the heater.

Many water heaters are located in unconditioned spaces like a basement, attic or garage. Wrapping an insulation blanket around your water heater can help make it more energy efficient and reduce standby heat loss by almost half. With improved energy efficiency, your water heater can produce more hot water with less effort thus reducing the strain on it.

Check the pressure valve.

Water heaters have a safety device called a pressure relief valve. If the tank ever becomes over-pressurized, the relief valve will open and release the pressure. However, if the valve were to ever fail, it could cause the tank to explode causing serious damage to your home. Our water heater experts will gladly come to inspect your tank.

Have the anode rod checked.

Both electric and gas water heaters have an anode rod. The anode rod’s function is to attract corrosive minerals and keep them from corroding the tank itself. Having the anode rod replaced by a professional every few years, or whenever needed, can definitely help extend the life of you water heater.

If your water heater has stopped working or is in need of repair or replacement, Bradley Mechanical can certainly help you. We are your water heater experts and have kept the hot water flowing in Central Virginia for over 50 years. Our professional technicians have many years of experience servicing all makes and models of gas, electric, and tankless water heaters. Give us a call today at (804) 748-6728 and “we’ll get you outta the fix you’re in.”