To get hot and warm water inside your home, whether it's for the dishwasher or shower, the water heater needs to work correctly. You can make sure this appliance works great for as long as possible by following these useful maintenance steps.
1. Check the Pilot Light
One of the easiest ways to make sure your water heater is on and working properly is to check the pilot light. In a perfect scenario, this light should be lit and it should burn a bright blue. If your light is not on, then you'll need to relight it.
After accessing your pilot light, turn the gas regulator knob to the pilot setting. Proceed by pressing the ignition button. If your pilot light requires manual lighting, you'll need to use a long lighter to avoid burning your hands. If the light still doesn't turn on, the thermocouple could be faulty. In this case, you should hire a water heater repair technician to find a suitable replacement and safely install it.
2. Lower the Set Temperature
Most water heaters today are set at a specific temperature after they're installed. Although this may seem perfectly fine, it could be one reason why your energy costs are so high. That's why you should consider dialing the set temperature down a few notches. Then, you can save money and avoid burning yourself from extremely hot water.
Adjusting your water heater's temperature is relatively simple. All you need to do is locate the temperature dials near the bottom of your unit. Rotate these dials to the left until you reach an optimal lower setting.
3. Remove Sediment From Tank
After a while, sediment can find its way into your water heater's tank. If left inside, they will bang around during operation and prematurely wear down parts. Then, you may be left with an expensive repair or replacement job.
All of this can be avoided if you simply remove sediment from the very start. What you'll need are a large bucket and a garden hose. Place the bucket below the drain valve to collect any excess water and attach the hose to the drain valve, making sure the opposite end is in the proper drain. Open the valve and leave it open until your water heater is fully flushed.
Without your water heater, you wouldn't be able to live each day comfortably. You can ensure it works effectively and efficiently for years by following a strict maintenance protocol, every day. Contact a company like Denton Gas Co., Inc. for more information and assistance.
