Your
water heater gets used several times each day, every day. That means it’s under constant exposure to wear and tear. With such heavy use, it’s normal for your water heater to need ongoing maintenance, and the best way to stay on top of those maintenance tasks is to inspect your unit often. While professional inspections and tune-ups are always a good idea, you can conduct your own inspection between appointments. Use this checklist to get started.
Look for Puddles Around the Unit
The area around your water heater should always be dry. Open the water heater closet and check for any drips, damp spots, or puddles around the unit. If you see even a small amount of water near your water heater, it’s likely that there’s a leak in the system. You’ll want to schedule a consultation with your water heater repair specialist as soon as possible. The sooner the leak is repaired, the better off your home will be.
Listen for Strange Noises
Pay attention to the way your water heater sounds anytime it turns on. It’s normal for it to make a little noise. But if you hear a loud whining, banging, or thumping noise, it may be cause for concern. Those strange noises mean something inside the system isn’t working properly. Schedule a professional inspection as soon as you hear something strange.
Check for Rust on the Outside of the Unit
If you have a storage-tank water heater, you’ll want to inspect the tank itself often. Look for signs of rust on the exterior of the tank. If you notice any discoloration, let your water heater repair technician know immediately. Those rusty spots represent weak points in the tank, and if they get bigger or worse, the tank may start leaking from those spots. In some instances, those leaks can lead to serious water damage in your home.
Pay Attention to the Temperature at Each Faucet
Checking your water temperature is a simple way to make sure your water heater is working the way it should. Go to each faucet in your home and make sure hot water comes out when you turn the tap. You’ll also want to pay attention to the general temperature of the hot water. If it feels the same as it has in the past, your water heater is likely in good shape. But if it feels hotter or colder than it should, you’ll want to schedule a professional inspection.
Keep Your Water Heater Running Properly
This simple water heater inspection checklist is a great place to start when it comes to keeping your system running smoothly. As a general rule, run through this checklist once a month and watch for any change in your unit’s efficiency and performance.
If you notice anything off with your water heater or just want an experienced professional to inspect your unit, don’t put it off. Schedule an appointment with
Denver Water Heaters. Our team can help with everything from routine inspections to complete water heater replacements.