October and early Fall is a great time of year to perform regular maintenance on your water heater. With the colder weather comes more wear and tear on your system, and it’s best to catch any small problems early on before they become big issues in winter. Keeping your best interests in mind, we’ve created a simple fall water heater checklist for you (or your licensed service provider) to complete on an annual basis.
Water Heater
Your water heater works tirelessly to keep your, well… hot. Don’t forget to give it some TLC this fall by performing the following:
- Drain the tank
- Check or replace anode rod
- Check gas and electrical lines
- Look for signs of rust or corrosion
- Check for water leaks
- Leave space around the water heater
- Check the temperature pressure relief valve
- Check temperature settings
- Check expansion tank (if applicable)
Note that we advise you to perform this check list throughout the year – not just in fall. We recommend our customers obtain bi-annual water heater maintenance at the very least.
Drainage System
Fall is also a good time to have your home’s drainage system inspected, since leaves, tree roots, and other debris can obstruct your plumbing and cause water damage or worse. Have a plumber inspect your drainage system with a video camera to diagnose any leaks, cracks, or other obstructions that would otherwise only get worse in colder weather.
Preventative Maintenance is Your Friend
Remember that preventative maintenance is not just a gimmick to get you to spend more money. By allowing a professional plumber to inspect your water heater and other plumbing, you’re allowing them to help save you money and also make sure that your water heater and other appliances are in tip-top shape for the long winter. Call your local plumbing professional today for a water heater check-up and video camera inspection of your sewer line!