Maintain Your Hot Water Heater Today

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.

Since water heaters can be dangerous heating devices if not handled properly, make sure you’re working in a safe environment at all times. Remove or mop pools of water near the base of the unit, especially if you have an electric water heater. After all, electricity and water are never a good mix. Shut down gas or power supply of the heater and close the cold water valve at the same time.

Drain your water heater from time to time to remove excessive sediments inside the tank. You can start by connecting a standard hose to the drain valve located at the base of the tank. Place the other end of the hose to a floor drain, gutter or large tub to avoid scalding burns. Open a hot water tap inside the house before releasing the drain valve and wait until the tank is empty.

If you still sediments sitting at the bottom of the tank, flush them out by removing the hose and placing a bucket under the drain valve. Open the water supply valve until the water runs clear. Switch the power on after refilling the tank.

Tighten the pipe fittings and plumbing connections to stop water from leaking. You may have to replace badly damaged pipes to avoid affecting other areas of the tank. You can use a wrench to tighten the fittings and wrap a Teflon tape around the threading when necessary.

Do not let hard water minerals develop over time by keeping the anode rod in good condition. This rod is responsible for absorbing all charged water molecules inside the tank as it protects the tank lining from rusting and corroding. Once it measures less than if an inch, have it replaced 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.

Do not hesitate to ask help from a specialist to ensure proper maintenance. Sometimes, attempting to inspect your water heater without the right tools and knowledge can worsen the situation, leading to a more costly water heater repair.

Learn more about water heater repair tips . Stop by Brian Winters’s site where you can find out all about water heater maintenance and how it can benefit you.

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