Monday, September 23, 2013

Maintain Your Water Heater Effectively

By Brian Winters


A water heater can last for a couple of years depending on how much you regularly maintain it. If you want to avoid spending too much money in carrying out repairs, start maintaining your water heater on a semi-annual basis. If you don't feel confident in dealing with your unit on your own, do not hesitate to call a specialist for 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.

Remove sediments inside the tank by draining it from time to time. Start by attaching a garden hose to the drain valve while making sure the other end is placed in a secure location to avoid scalding burns. Before releasing the drain valve, open a hot water tap inside the house 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.

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.

Keep the anode rod in good condition at all times since this rod serves like a magnet that attracts charged water molecules inside, protecting the tank lining and components from rusting and deteriorating. Replace the rod as soon as it measures less than of an inch.

Check the relief valve of the unit to recognize signs of leaks in the early stage. This valve should be working at all times since it is responsible for releasing excessive pressure inside the tank. You can lower the thermostat settings around 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit to minimize the valve from opening frequently.

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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