Homeowners assume that winter is going to put extra stress on their water heater, especially if it’s kept in a place that’s not insulated. During the winter months, the heater needs to work harder to keep the water warm. There’s the danger of uninsulated pipes freezing and bursting and other stressors. But the heat of summer also comes with challenges. For one thing, you use hot water more often as you take more showers and wash clothes dirtied from outdoor activities. You also wash more dishes from summer get-togethers. Here’s how to get your water heater ready for it.

Have the Water Heater Inspected

It’s a good practice to have a professional plumber inspect your hot water heater, ideally twice a year at the beginning of the heating and cooling seasons when other professionals are checking your HVAC system. A plumber can find leaks and other problems that a layperson might overlook and repair them before they become more serious. You should thereafter keep an eye out for trouble signs such as weird noises, spikes in your energy bill and inconsistent hot water.

Wrap Insulation Around the Hot Water Pipes

You may have heard that your water heater pipes need insulation in the winter, but did you know they benefit from insulation in the summer as well? Insulation keeps heat from escaping, regardless of the outside temperature. Because of this, it makes your water heater more efficient. Insulation for your pipes is inexpensive and can be bought at the hardware store, but leaving the work to a professional is recommended.

Adjust the Temperature

The ideal temperature for your water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is true for both winter and summer, even though some people crank up the heat a bit in the winter. Your hot water certainly doesn’t need to be hotter than 120 degrees in the summer. Water that’s hotter than that is a scald risk.

Flush the Water Tank

The plumber may have flushed sediment out of the tank while checking it, but if they haven’t, this is something you can do yourself. Sediment builds up over time, and too much sediment can shorten the lifespan of your water heater. It’s also a good time to check the sacrificial anode. If it’s been corroded to bare wire, it’s time to replace it. The sacrificial anode is also inexpensive and easy to find.

Get in Touch With Us to Make Your Water Heater Summer Ready

Summer can make your hot water heater work especially hard, so it’s a good idea to get it ready for an increasing workload. If your water heater needs servicing for summer or at any other time, get in touch with our plumbers at All Valley Plumbing of Yakima, Washington.