Friday, September 20, 2013

Water Heater Maintenance Tips

By Carol Richardson


To continue having sufficient supply of hot water in your household, it is important to keep the water heater in good condition at all times. Besides, taking cold showers early in the morning is the not the best way to start your day.

Protect yourself from the dangers ofyour heater by turning off the gas supply or circuit breaker together with the cold water valve before maintaining the unit. This should not be overlooked since water heaters can pose serious dangers if not handled properly.

To prevent the sediments from building up, drain and flush the water heater on a semi-annual basis. Since hot water drips can give you scalding burns, it helps turning off the heater the night before draining it to protect your skin from scalding water. If this is impossible, switch the unit off at least thirty minutes before you proceed.

Draining isn't enough to minimize the hard water minerals inside. It is important to have an anode rod in good condition to protect the tank from corroding. This sacrificial rod absorbs all the charged water molecules to prevent the internal tank lining and components from deteriorating. Replace it as soon as it measures less than if an inch.

Tighten all the loosely joined pipes with a wrench to stop water from leaking. If you think the pipes are badly damaged, replace them with new ones to protect other areas from developing rust stains. Using a Teflon tape or applying a sealant around the threading make it difficult for water to leak.

Minimize the relief valve from opening by lowering the temperature inside the tank between 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. The relief valve releases pressure and water frequently if the temperature is too high. Having a low temperature prevents the pressure from building up inside the tank.

Replace the relief valve as soon as it starts leaking. This valve should be working at all times since it prevents the tank from overheating and blowing up. Lift its lever and release it as it snaps back on its own to check the water flow.

A leaking relief valve should be replaced immediately to avoid wasting water and electricity. Test the valve by lifting its lever and allowing it to snap back on its own. It is possible that you have a major plumbing problem if water continues to leak after replacing the relief valve. Always call a specialist if you need an extra hand in maintaining your water heater. Trying to fix the water heater on your own can worsen the situation and lead to costly water heater repairs in the future. However, if the damage is beyond repair, you are left with no choice but to buy a replacement heater.




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