How to Maintain an Electric Water Heater

by Divya Khanna Marketing Consultant

An electric water heater may last anywhere from 8 to 12 years, but only if it’s used properly and maintained. There are various simple and affordable ways to improve the efficiency and lifetime of a water heater. Some tasks, such as installing insulation and adjusting the temperature, are to be completed just once. Others, like cleansing the tank and inspecting the anode rod, should be done every year.

It's crucial to understand that a well-maintained water heater provides excellent performance and efficiency, as well as dependable, long-term, and worry-free operation. The advantages of maintaining your water heater are obvious. Insulation lowers heat loss by up to 45 percent and can save you up to 9% on water heating bills. The efficiency and lifespan of the tank can be improved by flushing out the silt. To make sure the tank has a working anode rod assist, make sure to keep the inside from rusting. Having a broken rod is much less expensive to replace than a new heater.

As a result, some simple repairs can be done by homeowners or do-it-yourselfers, but more sophisticated work, particularly electrical work, should be done by a licensed contractor.

Test the TPR valve

The first thing to keep in mind is that the temperature and pressure relief valve must function properly since it’s a safety feature that protects the unit from excessive pressure buildup. It is advisable that you replace it and not fix it.

It should be checked every six months, or more frequently if there is a cause, such as a scale accumulation from hard water or a well water source.

The TPR valve needs to be changed if there’s a dripping of water from it and if it cannot be closed correctly.

2. Check the Anode Rod

The electric water heater is protected against corrosion by an anode rod. There's a reason it's called the sacrificial rod. It sacrifices itself (degrades) so that it can shield the metal tank from forceful water activity. It's made of steel that's been coated with a magnesium or aluminum-zinc combination and makes it softer and easier to use before the metal tank.

With the proper equipment, such as a wrench or a 1 1/16 socket, an anode rod is placed on top of the heater, and then it’s submerged in the water which is immediately removed for inspection.

It’s mandatory to cut off the electricity at the circuit breaker and then close the water at the main valve before removing the rod. Then only you can remove the drain valve after draining a few liters of hot water through it.

3. Testing the thermostat

Testing the thermostats for good operation is essential with the help of a multimeter. Water heaters with a capacity of fewer than 30 gallons have two thermostats, on the other hand, those with a capacity of more than 30 gallons have one thermostat only. Both should be included in the testing. The goal is to see if electricity is being passed to the elements and, if so, then it’s important to tighten any loose wires.

Check the thermostat settings; you want the temperature between 120 and 125 degrees Fahrenheit, then change the manufacturer setting to minimize scorching burns and lower energy expenses. If your water heater is older, then wrap it up with an insulating blanket to decrease energy loss.

4. Adjusting the temperature and insulating pipes and heaters

● Unscrew the lid on the temperature dial on the side of the tank. Use a flathead screwdriver, turn the dial to 120 degrees. You may then anticipate saving up to 5% in energy expenditures for every 10 degrees you decrease the temperature in the electric storage water heater.

● Avoid Condensation in the summer simply by insulating the cold-water line.

● Then cut the insulating blanket to fit over the pipes, TPR valve, and temperature control eventually protruding from the tank.