Saturday, 21 September 2013

Maintain Your Hot Water Heater Today

By Brian Winters


Since water heaters don't last forever, it is important to maintain them regularly on a semi-annual basis for smooth operation. Proper care and maintenance are needed to avoid expensive water heater repairs. Contact a specialist if you're not comfortable maintaining your unit without professional help.

Always work in a safe environment since water heaters can be dangerous heating devices if not handled properly. If you have an electric-powered heater, do not forget to wipe water puddles near the base of the unit since water and electricity are never a good mix. Close the water supply valve and shut down its heating source beforehand.

It is important to drain your water heater regularly to remove excessive sediments inside the tank. Connect a standard hose to the drain valve and run the other end to a secure drainage to protect your family from scalding burns. Open a hot water tap inside the house before releasing the drain valve. Do not close the valve until the tank is empty.

After draining, it is normal to see accumulated sediments sitting right at the bottom of the tank. You can remove them by flushing the tank after draining it. Remove the standard hose and replace it with a bucket to catch the sediments. Do not close the water supply valve until the water runs clear. At this point, you can now refill your tank before switching the power on.

Check your pipe fittings and plumbing connections if they are tightened properly. Look for rust stains around the pipe to know where water starts to leak. Tighten the fittings with a wrench or wrap a Teflon tape around the threading when needed. For badly damaged pipes, replace them immediately.

Your water heater comes with an anode rod that absorbs all charged water molecules inside the tank as it protects the tank lining and components from corroding. Once it measures less than of an inch, have it replaced by a specialist immediately.

Keep the relief valve in good condition as it releases excessive pressure inside the tank, protecting the unit from overheating or blowing up. Lower the temperature down to 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit to minimize the valve from opening.

Attempting to maintain your water heater without the right tools and knowledge can cause the problem to escalate. Avoid this by calling a specialist for professional help. After all, you don't want to end up spending too much money on carrying out repairs.




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