As the water heats and cools, they release moisture that can build up in the unit. Over time, sediment can also collect on the heating element, which increases the likelihood of corrosion or other problems. Cleaning your water heater is an easy way to extend its life span and avoid costly repairs. Looking for water heaters in Singapore? Click here. https://www.aosbath.com/3-best-water-heaters-singapore/.
How often you need to clean depends on the water you use in your home. If you are concerned about the amount of sediment and mineral deposits in your water, consult a local plumber or water treatment specialist. The minerals found in well water can build up over time, so quarterly maintenance may be required to maintain optimal performance. If you live in an area with soft or low mineral content water, cleaning should only be needed once a year.
To extend the life of your water heater, keep the following tips in mind:
- Don’t use it as a storage tank for hot and cold liquids – it was not designed for this purpose! This can damage the unit and void your warranty.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes that may cause your heater to crack or leak.
- Keep the thermostat set to 120°F or higher so your heater can produce hot water faster.
- Turn off the power or gas supply while performing maintenance on the unit, and if possible, drain the water first. In a pinch, you can use wet towels to insulate yourself from electric shock while working on it. A wet rag around the doorknob will also provide insulation against any electric charge on the unit.
- Do not cover your water heater. If you do, the heat will not be able to escape, and the temperature inside will rise. This could lead to scalding or a fire.
- Maintain adequate ventilation around your water heater to ensure that fumes and gases have somewhere to go. Never leave your heater unattended while it is operating!
- If your water heater seems slow or takes longer than usual to deliver hot water, check the temperature of the incoming cold water supply. A buildup of sediment or scale can impede the flow of hot water and cause this problem. Clean out all traces with a pipe cleaner, then run all faucets for 30 seconds or so until everything clears out again.
In conclusion, one of the essential things when maintaining your water heater is not to panic. There may be times when you need a professional, but often these problems can be fixed by yourself. If you run into issues, always err on the side of caution and call a professional to have them look at it. At least, in this case, ignorance will not result in injury.