Water heaters are a necessity but they can also be a drag on your finances if they’re not properly maintained. Regular maintenance and care can prolong the life of your water heater and keep your energy bills low.

Bradley Mechanical in Richmond offers the following mechanical checklist for your water heater:
Flush Your Tank

Once a year, shut off the incoming water valve of the water heater, attach a hose to its draining valve and empty the water. Then inspect the bottom of the tank with a flashlight, looking for sediment, buildup, lime and rust that comes into the tank over time. Water heaters have a sensitive glass lining so you may want to call a professional to clean the tank if you notice buildup.

Check Pipes and Valves for Leaks

Cover all the valves and joints with warm, soapy water and then watch for bubbles to appear. If there is a leak, you should turn off the power to the area and contact your local water heater professional.

The hot water pipes should also be properly insulated to increase the heat of faucet water by an average of 4 degrees.

Lower Your Tank’s Temperature

Lowering your water heater temperature by 10 degrees can decrease your heater’s energy usage by 5 percent. It can also extend the life of the unit and maximize the efficiency of the entire system.

Assess the Area Around the Heater

Look at the floor around the heater. Cracks and damage to the floor can be evidence of leaks or other problems. Also, look at the walls where the pipes enter and the water heater exterior, and test knobs to make sure they’re operable.

Check Your Tank Insulation

Thermal insulation is necessary to minimize the effect of standby heat loss in storage tank water heaters. You can purchase blankets or other barriers designed specifically for water heaters to help older units avoid losing the heat. You’re looking for a thermal resistance rating between R-12 and R-25.

If you have any questions or would like a consultation, contact your local water heater professionals at Bradley Mechanical. We’ve been servicing Central Virginia homeowners since 1969, and can help make sure you’re getting the most out of your water heater.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about water heaters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Bradley Mechanical services Richmond, Chesterfield, Glenn Allen, Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights and surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!      

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