A broken water heater can cause you several headaches. So, when you finally get it repaired, there’s a real sense of relief. But that relief can quickly turn into frustration if you find yourself calling in repairs again just months later.
Most of the time, it’s not about the repair job itself; it’s about what happens after. How you take care of your water heater following repairs can make all the difference. If you want to avoid repeat problems and squeeze more years out of your system, you need to maintain it. And if you’ve recently had service done—maybe even searched high and low for what the best water heater repair Lehi has to offer—now’s the perfect time to get into some simple, but game-changing, habits. This article discusses three best practices that’ll help you protect your investment and keep those cold shower surprises at bay.
- Flush the Tank Regularly
Okay, this one might not sound super exciting—but trust me, it’s a biggie. After a water heater has been repaired, sediment buildup becomes your new enemy. Over time, minerals from your water supply settle at the bottom of the tank. And while it might not seem like a big deal at first, that gunk can lead to all kinds of issues, from noisy operation to decreased efficiency and even premature failure.
So what can you do? Well, flushing your water heater once or twice a year is a solid starting point. It’s not as intimidating as it sounds. All it really involves is turning off the power (or gas), connecting a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank, and letting the water run out until it’s clear. You might even see some rust-colored water or debris at first—that’s normal, and it’s exactly why this step is important.
- Keep an Eye on the Anode Rod
Here’s something not many homeowners think about: your water heater has a sacrificial part built in to protect the tank from rusting. It’s called an anode rod, and yeah, it’s a metal rod that slowly corrodes so your tank doesn’t have to. But once that rod is eaten away, guess what’s next in line? Yep, the tank itself.
So, after your water heater’s been repaired, it’s smart to check on the anode rod every couple of years (or have a pro do it). If it looks super corroded or it’s less than half its original diameter, it’s time for a replacement.
- Set the Right Temperature (and Leave It There)
Now let’s talk about something a bit more hands-off, but just as important: the temperature setting on your water heater. After getting repairs done, especially if it involved a thermostat or heating element, it’s crucial to make sure your temperature is set correctly, and that you don’t keep adjusting it all the time.
Here’s why. If you set the temperature too high (say, above 140°F), not only are you wasting energy, but you’re also stressing the system more than necessary. That heat speeds up wear and tear, which isn’t great news if your unit just had a fix-up. On the flip side, if it’s too low, you might end up with bacteria issues (like Legionella), or at the very least, water that doesn’t get hot enough for comfort.
The Bottom Line
You’ve already taken the right first step by getting your water heater repaired. That’s not always an easy call, especially when budgets are tight or you’re trying to figure out who offers the best water heater repair Lehi locals can trust. But now that the hard part’s over, the next stage is just about being consistent and a little bit proactive.
So, the next time you enjoy a nice, hot shower, take a moment to appreciate the effort you’ve put in. With just a little regular care, you won’t have to wonder when the next breakdown is coming.
