Could you properly wash dishes without hot water? Or take a shower or bath? Your home’s water heater is vital to your everyday routine, which is why you should know how to check its condition and when to call for repairs.

Hicks Plumbing provides maintenance for plumbing fixtures and appliances including water lines, sewer lines, and more. Our expert technicians can perform emergency plumbing as well as water heater plumbing services to residents in Reston and throughout Northern Virginia. Whatever plumbing problem you may have, we can fix it efficiently and affordably.

Below, we describe some maintenance tips that will keep your water heater functioning properly for years to come:

Is the Anode Rod Rusty/Corroded?

First, we recommend that you get your heater’s anode rod checked. The rod prevents the inside of your tank from rusting by attracting corrosive elements to itself and away from the heater’s exposed steel. If the anode rod has degraded entirely, your water heater’s tank is at risk.

A Hicks Plumbing technician will first close the shutoff valve and turn off the electricity or gas to the heater. They will place a large bucket beneath the tank’s drain valve and release a few gallons of water into the bucket. If an abundance of brownish water and/or particles of rust appear in the water, then your tank has rusted and must  be replaced. But if the water is clear, the tank is probably intact.

After checking the water, the technician then checks the anode rod, which is at the top of the heater. If it is less than a half-inch thick or coated with a layer of white calcium, it must be replaced.

Does The TPR Valve Leak?

Next, have your heater’s temperature-pressure release valve checked. This component keeps both your water heater and your home safe by releasing built-up pressure in the heater if it climbs too high.

A proper inspection involves shutting off power to your heater and cold-water supply valve, then placing a bucket under the long pipe connected to the TPR valve. We then lift the valve’s tab, release a small amount of water, and let it go again.

If water keeps flowing after the tab is lowered, we’ll need to replace it with a new one.

Is There Sediment In The Tank?

In our tip for the anode rod, we stated that your tank will need replacement if an abundance of rusty water comes from its drain valve. However, if the rust color dilutes from the water as it pours out of the tank, then all that may be needed is clearing sediment from the tank.

A professional inspection can quickly and easily clear out the sediment, ensuring your tank and other components of your heater keep functioning efficiently.

Is Your Water Heater Insulated?

We also suggest that you insulate both your heater’s tank and the pipes that protrude from it. According to the US Department of Energy, insulating your water heater tank can save up to 16% of annual energy usage, while covering up your pipes will save 3%-4%. Thus, proper insulation in both areas will save you money on your electricity bills and increase the consistent temperature of the heater tank’s water.

A professional can easily insulate your heater with an insulating blanket and several pieces of foam pipe insulation. The blanket, after cutting out several spots to allow access to the various valves and controls, will cover the sides of the tank. The foam pipe insulation covers the hot- and cold-water pipes as far as possible.

Is Your Water Temperature Calibrated?

Finally, after your heater is insulated, we recommend having its temperature recalibrated. As we said before, insulation reduces heat loss and increases the temperature of the water coming from your taps. To prevent the temperature from getting too high, your heater’s temperature should be adjusted appropriately.

In addition to the insulation, calibrating the  temperature on your water heater can save you another 5% in annual energy costs.

Hicks Plumbing Service: High-Grade Water Heater Plumbing in Reston, VA

Following the above tips above will help sustain the lifespan of your water heater and reduce your energy costs. So, if you ever need inspection, repairs, or replacements for your water heater, call in a professional who can easily obtain and properly install them for you. At Hicks Plumbing, we have accrued over thirty years of experience in providing full-service plumbing, which includes sewer line repair, drain cleaning, and reliable water heater plumbing.

Residents throughout Reston, VA know our work, and they will tell you how satisfied they are with our friendly service and affordable rates. Contact us at (703) 803-7466 to learn more about our services.