The end of the year is a great opportunity to evaluate all of your home systems and appliances. During this process, it’s a good idea to do things like changing your HVAC filters, checking for any leaky pipes under your sinks, and catching up on some home maintenance tasks that you may have put off.

The arrival of a new year is also the perfect chance to make sure that your water heater is ready to supply your home with the hot water that you need all year long. Keep reading to find out more about how we can help, and about some steps that you can take on your own.

Checking Your Water Heater

Your water heater is one of the hardest-working systems in your house. A quick start-of-year inspection can help it run more smoothly. Make sure the area around the water heater is free of clutter, and look for signs of rust or excessive moisture on the tank itself. Finally, make sure the water temperature isn’t set too high. It should be 120 degrees Fahrenheit for both comfort and safety.

If you can’t remember the last time the tank was flushed or the pressure relief valve tested, this is a good time to do it. Small tune-ups can extend the life of your water heater and keep energy costs more manageable.

Inspect Your Faucets

One of the best ways to check the performance of your water heater is to test how well the hot water flows to your faucets. If you notice reduced water pressure only on the hot water side of any sinks and tubs, you’re probably dealing with some sort of water heater problem. Conversely, if both the hot and cold sides struggle to produce adequate water pressure, you may have a damaged waterline.

Checking the Anode Rod

The anode rod in your water heater sacrifices itself to protect the tank. That’s why it’s so important to regularly change this important component. In the best situations, anode rods should be replaced every three to five years, but if you have hard water, they often need to be replaced annually.

Set Yourself Up for a Stress-Free Year

Improving your home’s functionality doesn’t require a major overhaul. By taking the time to provide your water heater with the routine care that it needs, you can add years to its lifespan while keeping your home safe, functional, and efficient.

If you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help. Call the plumbing experts at Turbo Plumbing & Rooter in Granada Hills, CA for water heater services.