Fall brings a welcome respite from the heat, but it can come at a cost. With temperatures dropping, plenty of plumbing issues can occur. If you have a water heater that needs to be repaired or replaced, now’s the time. Emergency Master Plumbing & Air, the top plumber in Glendale, AZ, presents the following fall maintenance tips to help you avoid water heater problems:
Clean the Tank and Drain Lines
Whether you have a gas or electric water heater, it’s important to clean your tank. The most effective way to do it is by repeating what you did during the summer—flush out the sediment that collects in the bottom of the tank. You can have a professional turn off your water heater and drain lines and flush out the tank. This will clean your tank enough to keep it working well. It is also important to conduct routine water heater maintenance to be sure it’s in tip-top shape.
Eliminate Sediment Build-Up
The sediment that collects in your tank is also responsible for building up inside the drain lines that lead into or out the water heater. Contact Emergency Master Plumbing & Air to inspect your pipes and recommend the best course of action. If sediment is obstructing or slowing down your drain line, you may need to invest in a water heater installation for either a new model or one installed on top of your existing tank.
Remove Debris
Fall brings with it trees shedding their leaves, which ushers the possibility of clogging your water heater tank, especially if it’s located outdoors. Leaves and other debris find their way into your tank and cling to its walls through capillary action, which slowly builds up over time. Regularly inspect your unit for this type of buildup and remove it as needed with a sturdy scrub brush or shop vacuum.
Protect the Unit
There are some things you can do to protect your tank and prolong its life when the cold hits. Be sure that outdoor pipes are properly insulated to avoid freezing. Additionally, drain the water at the bottom of your tank or turn up the thermostat on your heater so that it doesn’t kick on as often. For tankless water heaters, it is common to find warning signs posted on the equipment due to improper usage or installation.
Contact Emergency Master Plumbing & Air today for any of your plumbing repair and water heater repair needs. Contact our team today to address your water heater woes for good.