Many water heaters are relatively unproblematic if you maintain them well. Apart from water heating efficiency, regular maintenance also ensures water heater safety. Below are two things your plumber should do as part of water heater maintenance. 

1, Flush the Tank

Your home's water supply contains dissolved minerals. These minerals crystalize and accumulate in the tank. Over time, the accumulated sediments insulate the tank's bottom, reducing heat transfer from the heaters to the water. The insulation reduces the water heater's efficiency.

The accumulated sediments also increase the tank's corrosion risk, which shortens the tank's lifespan. Some sediment can also break off and block the tank's outlet. Flushing the tank removes the sediments to restore the tank's efficiency.

The plumber will switch off the power supply to the tank to reduce injury risk. Next, the plumber will close the inlet valve to prevent water from flowing into the tank. After that, the plumber will attach a hose to the drain valve and drain the water. Lastly, the plumber will close the drain, open the inlet, and fill the tank with water before switching on the system to resume operation.

2. Inspect Critical Parts

The plumber should also inspect critical parts of the water heater to ensure they are operating normally. That way, the plumber can fix emerging issues or replace defective parts.

Relief Valve

The temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve opens if the tank's temperature and pressure rise to dangerous levels. The valve's opening releases the dangerous pressure, but only if it works as it should. Water heater maintenance should include checking this valve's condition to ensure it will work if the situation calls for it.

Thermostat

The water heater thermostat controls and allows you to set the desired water temperature. Cable disconnections, debris accumulation, and calibration issues affect the thermostat's efficiency. The plumber will test the thermostat and recalibrate it if necessary.

Anode Rod

The sacrificial anode metal is more reactive than the water heater metal. The anode attracts ions that would otherwise corrode the tank, so the rod corrodes instead. The corrosion eats away the anode metal, so you need to check its condition periodically. You might need to replace the metal to continue protecting the water tank.  

Inlet and Outlet

Lastly, the plumber should check the tank's inlet and outlet pipes. Blockage or damage to either can reduce available hot water availability. The plumber will check the pipes, tighten them if necessary, or replace worn gaskets.

Contact a local plumbing service, such as Incredible plumber, to learn more.