Did you know that gas water heater maintenance is essential to ensuring you have hot water at the ready? Many home owners don’t realize that just like a furnace or air conditioner, their hot water heater needs regular maintenance too!

Water heater maintenance is the key to a worry-free supply of hot water for your home and is an important part of preventing future water heater failures or major repairs. To maximize the lifespan of your gas water heater, we recommend that you examine it seasonally and perform a few easy DIY maintenance tasks.

Here are some quick and simple gas water heater maintenance tips that you can handle yourself to ensure your equipment is running efficiently:

1. Keep the area around the water heater clear
   Always give your gas water heater some breathing room by ensuring there is no clutter or debris surrounding it. Gas water heaters require oxygen to burn gas, and if your unit is crowded by furniture or boxes, this can impact its efficiency.
2. Check the temperature
   Take a look at the temperature dial on your water heater, usually located on the gas valve. Many experts recommend that your water heater is set to 115-120 degrees F to prevent overheating and to promote overall efficiency.
3. Check for leaks
   Carefully examine the exterior of your hot water tank for any cracks, rust stains, damage, or signs of water pooling at its base. If you see even a tiny leak, you should have it repaired immediately to prevent further damage and increased utility bills.
4. Drain your water heater
   Use the drain valve to drain a few gallons of water from the tank using a bucket or hose to flush out debris. Keep an eye out for excessive debris or sediment in the water; If you see a lot, contact a professional to examine the tank.
5. Test the temperature and pressure relief valve
   Your gas water heater is equipped with a temperature and pressure relief valve as a safety measure. This component detects when there are extremely high temperatures or excessive pressure buildup inside the tank and automatically opens to release pressure. To test the valve, place a bucket at the end of the discharge tube and lift the lever, allowing water to flow out for a few moments. If the valve is stuck or leaky, it should be replaced.

If you’re not sure how to approach gas water heater maintenance on your own, we recommend that you get in touch with an expert to keep your water heater in top shape. At Evam Canada, we offer gas water heater maintenance plans and regular service, along with emergency water heater repair to make sure you always have hot water when you need it.

Call us today at 1-905-624-5544, or schedule an appointment for water heater service online.