Sunday, August 25, 2013

Perform Water Heater Maintenance Today

By Brian Winters


It can be dangerous to work with electric and gas water heaters. Because of this reason, it is important that all repairs should always be carried out by a licensed and qualified water heater specialist. Failure to do so can cause you to violate several building codes and local regulations.

Many of us know that a water heater is an important appliance since it produces enough hot water for the entire household. Cold water enters the tank and eventually heated properly after waiting for a couple of minutes. You can now use this warm water for taking showers, cleaning dishes and washing clothes.

Sediments can accumulate at the bottom of the tank easily if you don't flush and drain it regularly. You may notice the hard water minerals in a honeycomb fashion, resulting to poor water heater efficiency. Excessive sediment buildup can limit the volume of stored water inside.

Before draining, always make sure the heating source of the unit is turned off. Doing this prevents accidents from happening during the maintenance process. Turn off the water supply to stop water from entering the tank while you drain it. Experts recommend turning off the unit the night before draining it instead of waiting for the water to cool down. This protects your skin from scalding, especially if the tank is filled with hot water.

Start by connecting a garden hose to the drain valve while running the other end to a floor drain or large tub. Release the water by opening the valve and wait until the tank is empty. Remove the hose and place a bucket right below the drain valve. Open the water supply to flush the remaining the sediments until the water runs clear. You can turn the power on as soon as the tank is filled with water.

If you think the water running in your taps isn't too hot, there are several factors you need to check into. If you have an electric unit, check the circuit breaker. It is possible that no power is getting to the unit if it's tripped. Simply reset the breaker to solve the problem.

You can also check the upper heating element of your water heater to check if it's receiving power. Use a multi-meter to check it and reset when needed. You may need to replace the thermostat if the cold water continues to flow in your hot water pipes. Do not forget to shut down your power and water connections before replacing it.

It is normal to come across several water heater issues in the long run. What's important is to call a specialist when the problem gets too difficult for you to handle alone. Carrying out repair without the help of a professional is risky, eventually worsening the situation in the end. Contact a trained expert as soon as the problem arises.




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