Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Simple Hot Water Heater Maintenance Plan

Simple Hot Water Heater Maintenance Plan

By Brian Winters


Performing water heater maintenance regularly should be included on every homeowner's honey do list. Experts recommend inspecting the water heater every six months to keep it in tip-top shape. If you are not comfortable in maintaining your unit alone, you can always contact a specialist for professional help.

Avoid unfortunate mishaps by shutting down the gas or power source of your water heater prior to carrying out repairs. Inform everyone in your household not to use the heater while the maintenance is ongoing. You can stop water from entering the tank by turning the cold water supply off.

If you are using an electric-powered heater, check for loose wire connections. This can be dangerous since this can short-out the system in no time. If you have a gas-fired unit, pour a soap solution over the gas connection and look for signs of bubbles. Get help from a professional to stop your gas from leaking.

Check the flu pipe of your unit if it is aligned with the exhaust port. Inspect the roof vent to keep the flu hat in place. All points in between should be connected securely to avoid further damage.

Anode rods should always be inspected to prevent sediment from building up inside the tank. This sacrificial rod is designed to fight against rust and corrosion by attracting all charged water molecules inside. Replace it as soon as possible if it measures less than of an inch or if you see metal wiring around it.

Drain and flush your water heater to remove hard water minerals sitting at the bottom of the tank. This is important to keep your water heater running efficiently. It helps turning off the water heater the night before draining it to avoid scalding burns. After draining, flush the remaining sediments inside by turning the cold water valve on. Wait until the water runs clear before refilling the tank.

If you have corroded dip tube, have it replaced immediately. Not taking immediate action can cause cold water to hit the hot water pipes without being heated properly.

For more hot water maintenance tips, ask help from a specialist to avoid worsening the situation. Having insufficient knowledge in fixing a water heater can lead to a more costly repair in the long run. Leave your unit in the hands of a professional for guaranteed results.




About the Author:



Share This

No comments:

Post a Comment

Designed By Blogger Templates