Winter is coming! Are you ready? You may think that you are, but if you haven’t prepped your water heater for winter, you may not be as ready as you think you are. Here’s how you can make sure your water heater works as well as it can this winter.
Flush the Tank
Sediment can build up in the bottom of your tank over time. This can make it harder for your water heater to effectively heat and can shorten its life. Flush all of this out before winter comes to ensure hot water all season long. Turn off the water and power, then attach a hose to your drain valve (near the bottom of most tanks). Put the other end of the hose in a bucket or by a drain and open the valve. Empty the tank, then turn the water back on briefly to stir up sediment again. Drain it and continue this process until the draining water is clear.
Insulate the Tank
Get a water heater blanket for the tank and insulation foam or tape for the pipes. Cut these so they fit your particular water heater setup and apply them according to the instructions on the package. Don’t cover the very top of your water heater unless the manual says that you can. This insulation will help you save money on energy costs this winter.
If you’re not comfortable doing these things yourself, call us at Larry & Sons. We’ll send out a professional plumber to get your water heater ready for winter!
