How To Do Your Own Water Heater Maintenance

It’s the looming giant of a machine in your basement, garage, or in your closet, that’s your hot water heater. A lot of times, you don’t pay attention to it, but if it comes up, you could be thinking, Should I be conducting regular maintenance on this thing?

Regular maintenance of your water heater can prolong its lifespan of the water heater you have, making it more energy efficient and also preventing expensive and uncomfortable emergency situations.

Keep the fact that your heater holds 50 gallons of hot water, So safety is essential. Understanding the way your water heater functions and the maintenance routine it needs will help you be safe and ensure that you and the heater last for a long time.

Be aware of the water heater you have.

As your great aunt hilda the hot water heater may seem difficult to use; however, once you’ve come to understand it, it’s at all.

The cold water flows through the top, and an element of heating inside the tank is used to warm the water. Due to its metal based interior and its insulated exterior, the water remains warm and cozy within the tank until you’re ready to use it, after which it is pumped through the exit pipe to the plumbing system inside your home.

Parts of a water heater that you need to know.

It is essential to understand the water heater in greater detail when you plan to perform regular maintenance. Here are a few crucial elements to be aware of before you begin any kind of maintenance.

A shut off valve for water: This is the place where you can cut off the flow of water from the hot water heater in the event there’s an emergency. It’s on the top of your water heater, directly on the cold water pipe that is coming in. If it’s a lever, you can move the dial counter clockwise (righty-tighty) to shut off the water flow. In the case of a lever, then move it until it’s perpendicular to the pipe, thereby stopping the flow.

The gas shut off valve: Similar to the water shutoff valve, it is the same for gas. It can be crucial in the event of an emergency. It’s typically located at the lower part of the heater and is a lever. It is turned perpendicular to the pipe to stop the flow of gas.

Drain valve:  The drain valve for your water heater is located near the bottom of the tank and functions just like the drain on the top of your ice maker using the faucet. It is turned clockwise lefty-loosey to let water drain out of your heater. Take care when you do this since, contrary to the melting ice that you’re draining from an ice maker, water flowing from your water heater is hot.

Pressure relief valve: It is designed to relieve air pressure or water in the tank of your water heater when the pressure increases to levels that are dangerous. It’s not necessary to fiddle with this valve a lot; however, it’s important to be aware of where it’s. It’s typically located around two-thirds up the water heater. It must be connected to a pipe it that is a couple of inches higher than the floor. This ensures that any steam or hot water that escapes will be directed toward the ground but not toward your face.

Thermostat: The name implies the thermostat for hot water heaters regulates the temperature of the water inside the water heater. It’s usually situated near to the base of your water heater and may have an adjustable knob or screw slot to alter it to your preferred temperature. There is a US Department of Energy recommends that you set your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to conserve energy and avoid burning. Make the thermostat lower when you are away for a long period of time to help save energy.

The heating element: The hot water heater is within the unit. However, dependent on the model of the water heater, you might also be able to get it via the exterior. If you own a gas water heater is basically burning stoves on the lower end of the. In the case of electric heating, it’s typically two horizontal electric rods that heat water.

Anode rod: A rod of metal that is attached to the upper part of your tank to hold water and then hangs over the water. Its function is to draw any minerals that are corrosive to be in the water to ensure that they cause corrosion to the rod but not the tank’s interior. Anode rods wear out and require to be hot water replacement in melbourne regularly.

Routine maintenance of water heaters.

The water heater you have already has its own insulation, however, adding a blanket that is insulated is a fantastic method to make it more efficient in energy use. The extra insulation helps keep the water warmer for a longer period, meaning that the heating element is less to perform, which saves energy and cost. The majority of blankets can be cut to accommodate any size heater. Wrap it around your tank for your water heater making sure that vents are not covered. Then attach it with a zip tie and duct tape.

When you are tucking your tank in, make sure to take note of the pipes. Pipe insulation covers can also help prevent heat loss.

Each month check your water heater once a month.

A quick trip to your water heater to check the valves and pipes can detect leaks and corrosion before they turn into a problem. Doing one quick check every month can be a lot less stressful than dealing with disastrous flooding from leaks that could have been prevented. For a simple reminder to remember, you can put a reminder for each month to your agenda.

Every year, the water heater flush.

In time, the corrosive minerals that are in your water supply could build up into a dangerous sludge in the base of your heater. Your heater is not only heating this sludge and your water however, the sediment that is left behind by the sludge may be able to eat away at the tank’s bottom. Cleaning the sediment from your tank is simple to accomplish and is one of the most crucial actions you can take to prolong the lifespan the life of your tank. It’s important to do it every year only to ensure your water heater is functioning at its best. These are the fundamental steps:

1. Turn the thermostat on to shut off the heat for your unit. The tank will be drained, and heating a depleted tank could cause damage.
2. Stop the water flow to the tank by turning off the valve to shut off the water.
3. Attach a hose or hose to the drain valve. Any garden hose must be connected to the spigot. Make sure that you have the other hose end where the water is going to flow out is directed to the outside where the hot water flowing from the heater isn’t likely to harm anyone or pets.
4. Make sure you turn on a hot-water faucet in your home to make sure the pressure is equalized, or else, no water will flow into the drain any tap that has hot water can be able to do this, including that in the kitchen or bath sink. If there is no other opening, the tank will appear as a straw, with a thumb on the top. If the faucet is turned on but isn’t working, you might have to turn off the pressure release valve.
5. The drain valve and let the hot water run from the tank. It should take between 15 to 15 minutes.
6. The shutoff valve for water should be turned down to “open” to allow water to return to the tank for approximately 30 minutes. This will flush out any debris that remains in the tank’s bottom. Then let the water drain out of the hose. Repeat this procedure many more times until the water flowing out is clear of any obstructions.
7. After that, untie the hose from the valve for draining. Re-connect the water and allow your water heater to begin filling up again. When it’s at least half full, switch off the water in your home or close the valve that relieves pressure. When your tank is fully filled, you can make use of the thermostat to turn the heat back to the desired temperature.

Every four years water heater anode replacement.

Your anode rod was designed to gradually corrode over time so that your tank isn’t required to. However, it’s only able to perform its deed for as long before there’s no more to offer, and your tank is at risk of corroding to the point of damage. Luckily, it’s fairly simple and affordable to change it out. Similar to flushing your tank replacing the anode rod at least at every 4 years or so is an excellent option to ensure that the water heater run better over time.

1. Get an additional rod. The majority of anode rods are constructed out of aluminium as well as magnesium. The choice of which type you pick is largely dependent on your preference, however it is important to examine the anode rod you have currently to determine the proper size and the connection to the water heater. It is important to ensure that you purchase a new rod with the correct type of connection. When you’re choosing your new rod, be aware of the headroom. Anode rods can be long and are inserted through a tiny opening on the top of the water heater. So if there’s not a lot of space between your heating element and your ceiling we suggest purchasing an sectioned anode rod.
2. Purchase teflon tape for a tight, study seal when you connect the rod. Tape the threads that are at near the end of your brand new anode rod.
3. Utilize the thermostat to turn off the heating to your water heater and use the shutoff valve to stop the supply of water while you’re at work.
4. Use the same steps to flush out your tank. However, instead of draining out the entire thing, simply drain around two gallons. Be careful, and the water is hot!
5. Take off the cap made of plastic at on the side of the tank. This will expose what is left of the anode rod. Utilizing a socket wrench, remove the rod, and slowly remove it. Again, be cautious, as it is likely to be extremely hot. It is a good idea to have a couple of towels on hand to help you handle the rod as well as to wash any drips of water.
6. Install the new rod into the gap created by the old one, and then use a socket wrench to fix it to the wall. If the rod is too long, you can make use of hacksaws to trim it down to size.
7. After the new anode rod is in place make sure to fill your tank with water using the shutoff valve. Make sure to check for leaks in the anode rod’s fitting. If everything appears to be in order then replace the cap and set your thermostat for your water tank. Then, be sure to congratulate yourself for giving your heater fresh new life.

Pro tips to take charge of water heaters.

• If you are unsure, remove it. If you ever encounter a problem with your water heater, you can utilize the shutoff valve for water to cut off the water flow. You can also utilize the electric shutoff or gas cutoff to stop power flow on the device.
• If you’re in doubt, contact an expert. Not all water heater issues can be resolved by DIYers. If you encounter something that isn’t fixable by yourself, Thumbtack is a great resource to locate a reliable plumber who can assist you with the tougher problems with your water heater.
• In case of emergency you need to get flood sensors, invest in them. An electronic leak detector is a wise investment that will detect an issue with your water heater prior to it causes a disaster.

The water heater may seem to be a huge appliance but when you take care of it by paying it regular attention and care, it will treat you well in the future. Regularly check-ups on your water heater a regular component of your maintenance routine for your home and you’ll enjoy nice warm showers for a long time to be.