Having hot water in our homes whenever we need it is definitely a luxury many of us wouldn’t want to live without. That’s why it’s important to ensure our water heaters are regularly maintained to safely provide hot water on demand.

As a homeowner, the first thing you want to do is visually inspect your water heater to ensure there are no dents or other damage, and that it’s level. These are two key checks that can help keep your hot water tank running safely and efficiently. Dents on the outside usually lead to issues within the system, so it’s best to replace the tank if you can see any damage. And leveling the unit will help ensure all components within are operating properly.

There are two safety features on your water heater that are especially important to check on a regular basis. This includes the temperature relief valve and the anti-corrosion rod.

Temperature pressure relief valve

There should be a three-quarter-inch pipe extending from the valve and terminating within six inches of the ground. This is a safety device built into your hot water tank so, if it’s missing, you’ll want to ensure it’s replaced ASAP. It’s a cheap fix too. You can visit pretty much any hardware store and purchase copper pipe or high-temperature rated PVC plastic designed for your water heater. 

Alex Pay, ABCHI Franchise Owner | Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

Anti-corrosion rod

Designed to ensure water circulating through a hot water system doesn’t corrode the tank itself, the anti-corrosion or ‘sacrificial’ rod will extend the life of your water heater and help prevent corrosion issues from making the tank unsafe. Water heaters have a constant supply of fresh water that contain a lot of corrosion-causing oxygen. The rod is immersed inside the water heater tank, allowing the chemical reaction from the fresh water to attack it rather than the actual tank. In some areas of the country – especially where wells are common – rods are replaced regularly. Rods should be changed out whenever you notice any corrosion occurring.

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