One of the best parts about installing a hybrid water heater into your home or property is that they’re known to last longer than a traditional water heater—up to five years longer, in fact, with a total life expectancy of thirteen to fifteen years. However, that is only if you care for it properly and make sure to do regularly scheduled maintenance on your hybrid water heater. If you’d like to take care of your investment and save big on not having to replace your water heater before its time or get it repaired, then follow these handy tips. And of course, you should always—always!—check the manufacturer’s recommendations or the instructional handbook that comes with your water heater for proper maintenance methods and for upkeep guidance.

Clean the Condensate Drain Yearly

This is an easy one for DIY homeowners. Once a year, be sure to pour a cup of bleach into the access opening of your hybrid water heater condensate drain to kill any mold, mildew or algae that may have accumulated in the area. This is to prevent any clogging or backup, which can reduce the lifespan of your hybrid water heater. You’ll know that the drain is clear once water can easily flow through the pipe without any sign of blockage or buildup.

Inspect the TPR Valve Yearly

The TPR, or temperature release valve, is an essential safety device in your hybrid water heater that ensures the unit, and your home, stays safe from pressure-related malfunction. So to make sure the TPR is still working as intended, be sure to lift and release the lever handle on the temperature pressure relief valve—which should be located on the side of your hybrid water heater—to ensure that the valve is operating as intended. You may also want to allow a few gallons of water to drain through to an open drain to see that the device is working freely. While this may not clean or maintain your unit, you’ll definitely want to check that the TPR is working as it should to prevent any catastrophic—and expensive—failures.

Wash or Replace Your Air Filter Annually

Like your air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure that your hybrid water heater’s filter is clean for maximum efficiency. Located on the top of your unit, filters are vital for the long-term life expectancy of your water heater, and it’s important that they are either replaced—depending on if your filter is reusable or not—or cleaned annually. Reusable filters can simply be washed with mild detergent and water before drying and reinstallation, and are a more cost-effective method of keeping your hybrid water heater clean. Non-reusable filters will have to be completely swapped out with a new one, however, this process will surely pay off for homeowners in the long run.

Flush Out Your Water Heater Every Six Months

One of the most effective ways to keep your water heater healthy in the long run is to flush it out once every six months or, at the very least, once every year. Flushing your water heater helps to eliminate any buildup of limescale and sediment that can naturally occur in your unit through everyday use. If you’ve ever felt like your water heater wasn’t producing enough hot water, or that the flow of hot water was inconsistent, that may be due to excess sediment and could be your sign to flush out your hybrid water heater.

To flush your water heater, turn off the gas or electricity of the heater to avoid burning out your heating elements during the process. Then, shut off the cold water line feeding into your water heater. Open a hot water faucet somewhere in your home to drain some of the water from the heater, then connect a hose to your drain valve and open that to allow your tank to drain completely. After the unit is completely empty, turn your cold water source back on and allow the water to run through your water heater and out of the still-open drain valve for five to 10 minutes, which will essentially “flush” your system. From there, close your drain valve, remove the hose you have connected and allow your water heater to refill with water before turning back on your gas or electricity.

Other Benefits of Hybrid Water Heater Maintenance

Aside from just keeping your hybrid water heater functional for a longer period of time, making sure your maintenance is regularly scheduled and performed will simply lead to a better working water heater. Without any dirt or debris in your unit—or its filter—, you won’t have to worry about unexpected dips in your water temps. And, a clean water heater can work at full efficiency without having to use extra energy and electricity to make up for blockages or buildups in the unit. This means spending less on your utilities month to month. And ultimately, you always want to make sure you’ll have hot water on demand—there’s nothing worse than an unexpectedly cold shower—and keeping up with regular maintenance of your hybrid water heater will ensure just that.

535 Plumbing – Your Hybrid Water Heater Experts

If you live on Oahu and are in need of a licensed plumber, choose 535 Plumbing for the job! Our team of professional Oahu plumbers are highly skilled and our excellent customer support representatives will work with you to schedule your appointments at a time you most convenient. Learn more and schedule an appointment by calling (808) 300-0535, or Visit Our Contact Us Page. Mahalo!