Sunday, August 25, 2013

Hot Water Heater Maintenance Guide

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.

Water heater is responsible for supplying hot water used for taking showers, cleaning dishes and washing clothes. Cold water is properly heated once it enters the tank, being exposed to the burner. After waiting for a couple of minutes, expect to have hot water running in your pipes continuously.

Hard water mineral deposits can form at the bottom of the tank if you don't flush and drain them regularly. You may notice them accumulating in a honeycomb fashion, resulting to poor water heater efficiency. Once the sediments get too heavy for the tank to handle, the volume of water that can be stored will eventually be limited.

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.

If the problem gets too difficult for you to handle, do not hesitate to call a specialist for professional help. Attempting to fix the unit on your own can put your life at risk, leading to a worse situation. As soon as the problem arises, contact a trained expert right away.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment