Many homeowners rarely give their water heater a second thought until something goes wrong with it. Most water heaters are tucked away in a basement or closet, simply chugging along and doing their work without notice. However, we want to focus your attention on your home’s water heater in a couple of ways. First, let’s consider some free and easy things you can do to ensure your traditional tank-type water heater’s working well.
While it’s good to have a professional flush the tank every 1-2 years, you can also do a simple mini-flush once in a while. Just put a bucket underneath the drain valve and turn it counter-clockwise. Once a few gallons have drained, you’ll have removed sediment from the bottom and improved your heating efficiency.
You can also test the temperature & pressure relief valve by lifting it partway and letting it snap back into place. You should hear the sound of gurgling water. If you don’t, or it doesn’t snap into place, consult a professional!
