How to Protect an Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters are useful for efficiently providing hot water to a home or business, and they can be safer than a gas heater in the event of a fire. Electric water heaters are usually smaller, more efficient and cheaper to install than their gas heater counterparts. While electric water heaters are usually simpler to troubleshoot, they do require some regular maintenance, and protecting them from damage requires some planning and preparation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Lower the thermostat on your heater. This will help extend the lifespan since it won't have to work as hard to keep your water warm. A setting of 115 degrees Fahrenheit should be enough to accommodate most hot water needs. Anything higher than that may be excessive and a waste of energy.
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Drain water from your tank on a monthly basis to remove sediment that can damage the heater and negatively affect its efficiency. Empty a quart of water on average or until the draining water runs clear with no discoloration. There is usually a valve near the bottom of the tank that you can open, which will drain the water out. Turn off the circuit breakers to the heater, connect a hose to the valve and close the water valves coming into the heater. Have a bucket handy to collect the water as it comes out once you open the the drain valve.
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Use less hot water. The less hot water you use, the less work your heater needs to do, which makes the heater last longer. Limit your hot showers to five minutes and place low-pressure faucet heads on sinks and showers.
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Inspect the heater monthly to check for any signs of rust, leaks or other damage. Look for any signs of water or water staining on the ground around the heater, and check the tank and the valves for any signs of rusting or corrosion. Anything unusual should be treated or fixed immediately before it becomes a larger problem.
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Tips & Warnings
Always turn off the power to a water heater before performing any repairs or maintenance on it.
Strap the tank to the wall to protect against earthquake damage if you live in an area where earthquakes are common.
