Sunday, August 25, 2013

Basic Water Heater Maintenance

By Brian Winters


Extend the life of your water heater by performing regular maintenance. If you want to avoid spending too much on repairs, contact a specialist to help you inspect your unit properly. You'll be surprised how much money you can save by keeping your tank in good condition.

Before carrying out any repairs, do not forget to shut down its heating source. This is important to prevent accidents from happening during the process. Turn off the circuit breaker if you have an electric unit or the gas supply valve if you have a gas-fired heater. Do not forget to shut down the cold water supply valve to prevent water from entering the tank. This is essential to be able to inspect your unit thoroughly. Remind everyone in your household not to use the heater up until you're finished inspecting it.

Now that you can check the internal components, lift the anode rod inside the tank. If you see metal wiring around it, the rod may have deteriorated. Using a water heater with a corroded anode rod can affect the quality of your water. Your water would eventually start getting rusty and a foul odor that comes with it. Ingesting contaminated water can result in several health problems that cannot be taken lightly.

If you have a soft water, it is best to use an anode rod made of magnesium. Aluminum rods are best used if you have highly corrosive water. You can use an anode rod made of zinc to fight the effect of sulfur smell. When unsure, consult with a specialist what kind of rod will be suitable for your heating system.

Having burnt out lower heating element and hearing strange tank noises are indications that you have a sediment buildup in your tank. Letting rust and dirt sit inside the tank can cause the heating element not to heat water. For gas water heaters, sediments can settle at the bottom near the burner plate. When this happens, the internal tank may get covered up by superheated steam. You can solve this problem by draining and flushing your tank regularly.

Inspect your pipes and valve and look for signs of leaks. Recognizing damage in the early stage can protect your unit from further damage. Tighten the loose pipes and valves to stop water from leaking. It helps using a Teflon tape to wrap around the threading or apply a sealant instead. For badly damaged pipes, have it replaced as soon as possible.

If you want to cut back on your electric bill, you might as well consider buying a replacement unit. Nowadays, water heaters are designed to be more efficient, meeting your hot-water demands while consuming less energy as it used to. You can always consult a specialist if you need help in choosing the best water heater for your household.

By following the tips listed above, performing water heater maintenance shouldn't be so difficult. Stop spending too much on repairs and keep your water heater in its tip-top shape. Just in case the problem gets too complicated for you to handle, call a specialist right away.




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