Your utility bills can pile up fast. The last thing you need is a leaking pipe or a stinky water heater. You need to act now to prevent damage to your pipes and you don’t have to be a plumber to do so.
Water heaters are expensive to install and even more pricey to replace. One way to ensure they last as long as possible is to flush them annually. This will reduce the build-up of calcium and sediment deposits. You can also change out the anode rods each year. This will slow down corrosion in the tank, which in turn will extend the life of your heater.
To prevent leaking or seizing fixtures, replace your cartridges at the same time you change out the anode rod. If your home is equipped with a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system for soft water and distilled drinking water, you should change out the filter every 6 months.
Other ways to extend the life of your water heater include insulating your hot water pipes, lowering your water heating temperature, and insulating your water heater tank. These do it yourself projects will cost you minimal amounts of time and money up front, but will result in significant savings later.
No, you’re not a plumber, but you don’t have to be. These simple projects will save you money and will keep your pipes and water heaters operating at their full potential. Don’t wait for your pipes or water heater to fail, take action, get to work, and do what you can to save money and avoid stress by completing preventative maintenance today.
