Avoid Repair…Keep Up with your Water Heater Maintenance
By now, it should be no surprise to anyone that maintaining water heaters regularly will help prolong the life of your water heater as well as save you money on your monthly utility bills. Here are four easy tips and tricks that will help you keep your water heater maintained and prevent costly future problems while saving money every month.
Know Where Your Water Heater Is
The first thing that you can do to more effectively maintain your water heater may seem obvious to some but be a real challenge for others. Know where your water heater is, what it looks like, and what its basic functions are. You can find out a lot of information about your water heater by looking online. If you can find the make and model of your water heater, performing a simple Internet search will likely yield you many good results such as videos demonstrating some of the functions of your unit.
Be Able to Access Your Water Heater Easily
You should also be able to access your water heater easily. Because water heaters are often placed in attics or basements, many people who use these areas as storage will pack other items in around the water heater. This can be a problem if the water heater is leaking or needs repair quickly and you are not able to get to it. Make sure you have a path to your water heater and that the space surrounding it is clear of any other objects. Storing items too close to your water heater can pose a serious fire hazard as well, as any items placed too close can get warm and catch fire easily, especially if they are flammable.
Know What Type You Have
In addition to knowing where your water heater is and clearing a path so you can get to it easily, you should also know what type of water heater you have. If your water heater is gas, electric, or propane, it is important to know so that you can call the right professionals when you need to have it serviced. Make sure you have the serial number for your water heater written down and saved somewhere if you ever need it for warranty purposes or if a plumber or repair technician asks for it.
Know Where the Water Shutoff Valve Is
It is imperative that you know where the water shutoff valve is located on your water heater. If your water heater is leaking or overflowing, you will want to avoid potential water damage or flooding by shutting off the water immediately. Likewise, if you smell gas, you should turn off the water as well to avoid damage or explosion. In addition to knowing where the water shutoff valve is, you should also have it clearly labeled on your breaker box the circuit that turns off the water heater.
Ultimately, knowing some basic information about your water heater may save your home from serious damage. It can also save you a lot of money on your utility bills each month. Being an informed homeowner where your water heater is concerned does not have to take a lot of time and it will likely pay off in more ways than you thought.