Sunday, July 14, 2013

Regular Water Heater Maintenance Tips

By Brian Winters


Proper and regular water heater maintenance keeps your water heater operating smoothly. This is important, especially since the water heater is responsible for producing enough hot water for your entire household. It is essential to sustain the heating efficiency of the unit and prevent it from malfunctioning too soon. Check your unit every 4-6 months to prolong its lifespan for a couple of years.

Avoid further damage by not letting your water heater overheat. An overheating tank can only affect its heating efficiency, causing your tank to consume more power than it used to. Check if your unit has a faulty T&P valve. Contact a specialist to ensure proper relief valve installation.

It is normal for pressure to build up since it causes molecules to expand inside the tank. If you have a faulty T&P valve, the pressure can get too much for the tank to handle, leading to an unexpected explosion. Check it by lifting the lever while allowing water to flow out. Let it snap back on its own to stop water from draining. You should hear a gurgling sound from the tank if the valve is working just fine.

Gurgling sounds coming from the tank means your T&P valve is working properly. This happens when the valve releases pressure and allows water to enter the drain pipe. Make sure the fitting is tightened enough to avoid water heater leaks. Replace a faulty T&P valve immediately before it's too late.

Do not forget to adjust the thermostat settings of your unit between 115 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Doing this protects your family from scalding water as having a temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit can scald your skin in a matter of 5 seconds. This shouldn't happen especially if you have children at home.

To protect your tank from rust and corrosion, flush out the sediments sitting at the bottom of the tank. Experts recommend draining the water heater every six months to remove the accumulated sediments inside. Rust and dirt can cause several problems, including poor heating efficiency or internal tank corrosion. At this point, you have no choice but to replace the water heater instead.

To drain, you can start by attaching a garden hose to the drain valve. Do not let water enter the tank by turning the cold water valve of the unit. Take safety precautions when it comes to draining your unit since you may scald your skin if you're not careful. Run the other end of the hose to a floor drain or other secure drainage. Open the valve and wait until the tank is empty. You may see sediments sitting at the bottom of the tank right after draining. You can flush them out by opening the water supply valve and placing a bucket below the drain valve. This is used to catch the sediments and rusty-colored water coming out of the overflow pipe. Once the water runs clear, close the drain valve and start refilling.

Regular water heater maintenance is necessary if you want to prolong its lifespan. Do not hesitate to ask help from a professional whenever it's time for your scheduled maintenance. You can avoid spending too much money on repairs if you detect signs of damage in the early stage.




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