Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Hot Water Heater Maintenance Tips

By Brian Winters


To keep your water heater running smoothly, performing regular maintenance is necessary. This is important to prevent the water heater from providing insufficient hot water for your household. Since warm water is essential in taking showers, cleaning dishes and washing clothes, extending the lifespan of your water heater saves you from an untimely replacement unit. Ask help from a specialist to inspect your tank every 4-6 months.

It is important not to let your tank overheat as this can damage the unit further. Overheating can affect the water heater's efficiency, eventually increasing the cost of your electric bill. Always check the T&P valve to make sure it releases excessive pressure inside the tank. Ask help from 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.

The gurgling sound you hear means the valve already relieved pressure by letting the water enter the drain pipe. However, if it doesn't work this way, you might have to replace your T&P valve as soon as possible. Make sure the fitting is tight enough to prevent water from leaking.

Change the temperature settings of the unit between 115 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Doing this avoids scalding accidents and overheating at the same time. However, there is no need to adjust the thermostat once you have a stable temperature. A high temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit can scald the skin in a matter of 5 seconds. This step is important, especially if you have children in the house.

Flush out the sediments inside the tank to prevent rust and corrosion from eating the internal components inside it. You can drain the water heater on a semi-annual basis to remove hard water mineral deposit. Filth inside the tank can affect the heating efficiency of the water heater, resulting to poor unit operation. Once the internal tank gets hit by rust, you have no choice but to buy a replacement unit.

Start draining by connecting a hose to the drain valve. Remember not to let water enter the tank by shutting down the cold water supply valve before draining. Avoid scalding by placing the other end of the hose to a secure drainage location. You can open the drain valve and release the water inside the tank. To flush out the remaining sediments inside, place a small tub or bucket under the valve after removing the hose. Open the cold water supply valve and let the rusty-colored water exit the tank. Wait until the water runs clear before refilling.

Take note that your water heater needs your proper care and maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Just in case you don't feel comfortable in performing maintenance on your own, you can always call a specialist for professional help. Avoid spending money on water heater repairs and start inspecting your unit before it's too late.




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