Friday, August 23, 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 make sure you are working in a safe environment since water heaters can be dangerous appliances if not handled properly. Removing water puddles near the base of your unit is important, especially if you have an electric-powered unit. Remember that water and electricity are never a good mix. Shut down the heating source and close the water supply valve 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.

Flush the remaining sediments sitting at the bottom of the tank to avoid contaminating the water. Remove the hose and place a bucket under the valve before flushing the hard water minerals in it. Wait until the water runs clear before refilling.

Protect other areas of your tank from rust stains by checking your pipe fittings and plumbing connections regularly. If not, it will be easy for water to leak from these areas. You can use a wrench to tighten the fittings or wrap a Teflon tape around the threading to secure it into place. Replace badly damaged pipes at once to avoid contaminating your water.

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.

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.

You can always contact a specialist if you need help in maintaining your water heater. Do not attempt to fix your water heater without having the right tools and knowledge in doing so, as this can lead to a more costly repair in the long run.




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