Saturday, 21 September 2013

Easy Hot Water Heater Maintenance Tips

By Brian Winters


Keeping your water heater in tip-top shape is important since buying a new unit doesn't come cheap at all. Avoid the inconvenience of not having hot water by performing regular maintenance. You may experience taking cold showers for a day or two once your unit breakdown.

Turn off the heating source of the heater before carrying out repairs to avoid unfortunate accidents. It is important to be in a safe environment while maintenance is ongoing since your unit can be a dangerous appliance if not handled properly. Close the water supply to prevent water from entering the tank.

If you have a new gas water heater, you may find it hard to light the pilot. Before proceeding, make sure the gas supply is turned on. Newly installed gas units produce condensation once they start up. This is a normal problem, and leaks would eventually stop as soon as it starts heating water. Some gas units have advanced gas valves that come with an LED indicator to know if the unit is operating properly.

Make sure the relief valve is working at all times since this valve is responsible for releasing excessive pressure inside the tank, protecting it from overheating or blowing up. Test it by lifting its lever and allowing it to snap back on its own. If water doesn't stop draining once the handle is released, replace it immediately.

To stop water from leaking, check your pipes and valves if they are connected tightly. Experts recommend using compression fittings rather than soldering copper pipes for a quick fix. If you notice the relief valve leaking more often, you may have to lower the temperature between 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit or install a thermal expansion tank instead.

For gas water heaters, do not forget to refill the tank before turning the power on. This will protect your heating element gasket from burning out. Having a broken heating element can cause the unit to stop producing hot water in your household. Have it replaced right away and contact a specialist if the problem persists.

It is important to drain and flush your tank regularly to prevent hard water minerals from building up. This will sustain your heater's efficiency and prolongs its lifespan at the same time. You can start by connecting a garden hose to drain valve and running the other end to a floor drain or gutter to avoid scalding burns. Open the relief and drain valve until the tank is empty. Close the drain valve as soon as the sediments have been removed. Do not forget to open a hot water tap inside the house before refilling.

Feel free to contact a specialist if you are not sure how to maintain and repair your unit on your own. Attempting to fix your heater without professional help can cause the problem to escalate, leading to a more expensive repair in the long run.




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