Basics Of Water Heater Maintenance

Since a water heater doesn’t come cheap, it is important to keep it in tip-top shape to avoid costly repairs in the future. Neglecting regular maintenance can cause the unit to breakdown sooner than expected. When this happens, you may have to take cold showers for a day or two until your heater starts heating enough water for your household.

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.

Check the relief valve regularly to make sure it is working at all time. This is important since it protects the tank from overheating or blowing up as it releases excessive pressure inside. You can test it by placing a bucket under the relief valve and lifting its lever. Release the handle to stop water from draining. If not, replace it as soon as possible.

Inspect the plumbing connections and valves if they are tightened enough. It is better to use compression fittings than soldering copper pipes for an easy fix. Adjust the temperature around 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit to stop water leaking from the relief valve. If you want, you can also install a thermal expansion tank when necessary.

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.

To prevent sediment from building up, drain and flush your water heater every six months. Doing this sustains the tank’s efficiency as it prolongs its lifespan at the same time. Start by connecting a standard hose to the drain valve. Make sure the other end is placed in a secure area to avoid scalding burns. Open the relief valve and drain valve until the tank s empty. Once the sediments have been removed, close the drain and relief valve. 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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