Sunday, August 25, 2013

Water Heater Maintenance - Extend The Life Of Your Unit

By Brian Winters


A water heater that hasn't been maintained for a long time can start producing rusty-colored water that comes with a foul odor. When this happens, it's probably about time to buy a replacement. Prevent this from happening by maintaining your water heater regularly.

Recognize signs of damage in the early stage by inspecting the heating device from time to time. You can always ask help from a specialist if you are not comfortable checking the heater on your own. Doing this ensures that your water heater is in good hands without having to risk your safety.

Obviously, a water heater can convert into a dangerous heating device if not properly handled. You can avoid accidents by turning off the power or gas supply of the heater before carrying out repairs. It helps turning off the water heater the night before inspecting it to avoid scalding burns. Turn off the water supply valve to prevent water from entering the tank during the repair process.

Check for signs of leaks in the plumbing connections. Excessive amount of rust stains can mean the pipes are already badly damaged and require a replacement. For loose pipe fittings, simply use a wrench to tighten them. Not taking immediate action can affect other areas of the unit, resulting to another string of unnecessary disasters.

Check your T&P valve at all times to prevent pressure from building up. This relief valve is a safety feature that releases pressure once it gets too excessive. Test it by lifting the handle while allowing water to drain from the overflow pipe. Release it and observe if the water continues to drip. If so, replace the valve as soon as possible to protect your tank from overheating.

Your anode rod should be inspected from time to time to minimize sediment buildup inside the tank. This rod is responsible for protecting your tank from corroding by absorbing all charged water molecules inside. Therefore, it is normal for a rod to deteriorate if you have an old water heater. Replace it as soon as you see metal wiring around it.

Removing the sediments lying at the bottom of the tank helps your unit to sustain its efficiency. Doing this prevents your water heater from consuming too much energy. Drain and flush your heater to get rid of the sediments inside the tank. Do not let the sediments to buildup to avoid having a high electric bill.

Start keeping your water heater in tip-top shape to avoid frequent repairs. If you're not ready to buy a replacement water heater, consider maintaining the unit to prolong its lifespan. For professional help, contact a specialist immediately.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment