When it comes to maintaining a healthy home, does your water heater factor into the equation? If not, it should. After all, bacteria and contaminants can leach into the water, and a poorly maintained or faulty water heater can negatively affect the water quality throughout your home.
If you’re ready to improve your water heater cleanliness, don’t miss these mobile home water heater maintenance tips for better health. You’ll have a longer-lasting water heater that doesn’t impede your health or that of your loved ones.
Start With a Routine Inspection
You don’t have to be a plumbing expert to spot common water heater issues. Set a reminder to look over your water heater every few months. Check around the base and connections. Even a small, slow leak can encourage mold growth or rust. Look for signs of water pooling or dripping, corrosion on pipe fittings, and rusty spots or scaling on the tank. Address small issues early to prevent bigger, costlier repairs later.
Test the Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve is a safety feature that releases excess pressure from the tank. Lift the test lever and listen for a rush of water or air. If nothing happens (or the valve is stuck), it’s time for a replacement. A faulty valve could lead to dangerous tank pressure and a potential burst.
Flush the Tank Regularly
Sediment, including minerals like calcium and magnesium, settles at the bottom of the water heater tank and reduces performance. This buildup can also harbor bacteria. Flushing your water heater twice a year maintains water clarity and taste, lowers energy bills, and improves heating efficiency. To flush, turn off the heater and connect a hose to the drain valve. Run water into a bucket until it flows clear.
Install a Water Filter
Mobile home water heaters are especially prone to scale buildup and rust. These issues degrade your appliance and can negatively affect your health. Installing a whole-house or inline water filter can catch sediment before it enters your water heater. This simple upgrade reduces scale and sediment buildup, extends your water heater’s lifespan, and keeps water tasting and smelling clean.
Practice Safe Temperatures
Keep your water heater thermostat at around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This setting reduces energy use and minimizes burns or scalding accidents. Lower temperatures also limit bacterial growth in the tank.
Caring for your water heater might not be the most glamorous task, but it pays off in terms of peace of mind, savings, and good health. By incorporating these mobile home water heater maintenance tips into your regular routine, your home will have safer, more reliable hot water.
