Electric hot water maintenance made easy guide, House electric system maintenance tips, Home tank supply drainage

Electric Hot Water Maintenance Made Easy: Tips and Tricks

30 October 2023

Here’s a secret – keeping that electric hot water system of yours in top-notch condition doesn’t have to be as rough as guts. With just a few simple tips and tricks, you can make sure your system is working as efficiently as ever.

How Your Electric Hot Water System Works

Let’s break it down a little – your electric hot water system is like a very big kettle. The only difference is that the former primarily uses an inner heating element powered by electricity to warm your water. This water is stored in a tank (your hot water system) until it’s needed.

Cold water enters the system from the bottom via a device called a dip tube. This is because hot water rises, so it makes sense to pump cold water into the system from the bottom while drawing hot water from the top.

As mentioned previously, there’s also something within your system called an “anode rod.” This little beauty helps to combat the issue of rust and corrosion within your tank. It does this by “sacrificing” itself to these natural processes instead of the steel inside your tank.

Factors that Affect Your Electric Hot Water System

Before we dive deeper into your most-awaited tips and tricks on keeping best Electric Hot Water Systems “healthy,” it’s important to know the factors that affect its lifespan, which are the following:

Quality of Water Supply

The quality of water in your area plays a crucial role in the lifespan of your electric water heater. Got hard water? You’re likely to see a build-up of minerals in your system, which can cause it to conk out earlier than expected. Regular flushing of your system can help prevent this.

Frequency of Flushing and Filling

Here’s a bit of a tricky tick – make sure to give your hot water system a good ol’ flush every half-a-year to a full year. Just rattle it to a halt, lug a garden hose up to the drain valve, and blow out all the water. When it’s all gone, fill it back up.

Dealing with Sediment

That mineral build-up we mentioned earlier? It’s called sediment, and it ain’t your friend. Accumulated sediment can lead to a decrease in efficiency, strange noises, or even leaks. Make sure you give your system a good ol’ flush whenever sediment presents itself.

Insulation: More Than Just a Cosy Jumper

Adding a bit of insulation to your hot water tank and pipes can work wonders in both the efficiency and lifespan of your electric hot water system. It’s as easy as grabbing some self-stick foam pipe insulation and chucking it on there, simple!

Insulation Blankets: The Tank’s Winter Woollies

Did you know that you can also purchase insulation blankets for your hot water tank? Just like it sounds, it’s a cosy wrap for your tank that’s designed to keep heat in, helping your system run more cost-effectively.

The Importance of Regular Check-ups

Like heading to the doc for a yearly check-up, the same goes for your electric hot water system. Keeping an eye out for any visible signs of rust or corrosion, checking the pressure relief valve, and even testing the thermostat can go a long way in preventing any future hefty repairs.

Pressure Relief Valve

Much like not holding in a hearty burp, the pressure relief valve is there to help your system let off a bit of steam. It’s essential in maintaining the structural integrity of your tank. Give it a lift with the valve handle occasionally just to make sure it’s not stuck.

Anode Rod

This might sound like something out of a sci-fi flick, but the anode rod in your hot water system is your best mate when it comes to fighting rust and corrosion. It’s this little blighter that cops all the flak, so your tank doesn’t have to. Replacing it every few years can keep your system running smoothly.

Dip Tube

Hearing complaints of lukewarm showers? The dip tube might be the culprit. It directs cold water to the bottom of the tank, with the aim of making sure only the hottest water gets to the tap. Check and replace this unsung hero if needed to keep hot showers on the menu.

Energy Efficiency: Doing Your Bit for the Planet

We all know that our planet’s been copping it up a bit lately. Giving your hot water system a regular once-over will help keep its energy efficiency in top gear and reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. Good on ya, mate!

When in Doubt, Call the Experts

Let’s be real, sometimes these electric hot water systems can leave you scratching your head. But don’t go sprouting grey hairs over it just yet. If things start going south, give us a ring or chat at After Hours Electrical and we’ll sort it all out for you!

Ready to give your electric hot water system its much-needed TLC? By simply following our tips on keeping your electric hot water system at its best, you can save hefty money, time, and stress down the track.

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