There are a variety of appliances in our home that we use in our day to day life and it is every home owner’s duty to maintain them so that they can last for years.

Today, a water heater is found in almost every one’s home. It heats up the water whenever required. So to provide us with this service over the years, it requires good and regular maintenance.

A good maintenance program will keep your water hot, keep your water heater quiet, lower your utility bill and extend the life of the heater.

The basic functioning of the water heater is somewhat like this: Cold water enters at the top of the tank and flows through a plastic pipe called a dip tube. The dip tube delivers the cold water to the bottom of the tank where the burners are located. The burners heat the water to the proper temperature. The heated water rises to the top of the tank where it flows out when needed. An insulation layer keeps the water hot.

Before the maintenance program, it is very important to know the factors that can cause damaging effect to your water heater. Corrosion is the very first thing that can harm the appliance.

Sediment build-up is the second biggest culprit. It reduces the efficiency. It is also is a breeding ground for bacteria that can be harmful and sediment can cause the rumbling noises.

Some important steps that should be taken in order to maintain your water heaters are: The anode rod is responsible for the corrosion of the water heater so it should be inspected annually. Regularly flush your tank to remove built up sediment that resides at the bottom of your tank.

It is also very important to keep a check on the controller of the water heater and if it fails to measure the temperature accurately, it will cause the water temperature to vary erratically. So it is recommended to get it replaced. So can always hire a professional plumber to get these worn out parts replaced and they are also helpful for the regular checks of the equipment.