Friday, July 19, 2013

Hot Water Heater Maintenance Guide

Hot Water Heater Maintenance Guide

By Brian Winters


Working with water heaters can be dangerous, whether it be gas-fired or electric-powered. If you have a gas water heater, repairs should be carried out by a qualified and licensed specialist. Attempting to repair it on your own can violate local regulations and building codes at the same time.

Water heater is responsible for supplying hot water used for taking showers, cleaning dishes and washing clothes. Cold water is properly heated once it enters the tank, being exposed to the burner. After waiting for a couple of minutes, expect to have hot water running in your pipes continuously.

Without regular flushing and draining, sediments can accumulate at the bottom of the tank easily. You may see them in a honeycomb fashion, leading to poor heating efficiency. The volume of water that can be stored will be limited once the sediments get too heavy for the unit to handle.

Before draining, always make sure the heating source of the unit is turned off. Doing this prevents accidents from happening during the maintenance process. Turn off the water supply to stop water from entering the tank while you drain it. Experts recommend turning off the unit the night before draining it instead of waiting for the water to cool down. This protects your skin from scalding, especially if the tank is filled with hot water.

Attach a hose to the drain valve and place the other end to a secure drainage. Let the water exit the tank by opening the drain valve until the tank is empty. Disconnect the hose and put a bucket below the drain valve. This will catch the sediments that will be flushed out from your tank. Open the water supply and wait until the water runs clear. You can turn the power on after refilling it.

If you think your water is not getting heated properly, you might want to check different factors that cause it. Check the circuit breaker if you are using an electric unit. It is possible that no power is being received by the water heater, especially if it's tripped. Reset the breaker to solve the problem.

You can also check the upper heating element of your water heater to check if it's receiving power. Use a multi-meter to check it and reset when needed. You may need to replace the thermostat if the cold water continues to flow in your hot water pipes. Do not forget to shut down your power and water connections before replacing it.

It is normal to come across several water heater issues in the long run. What's important is to call a specialist when the problem gets too difficult for you to handle alone. Carrying out repair without the help of a professional is risky, eventually worsening the situation in the end. Contact a trained expert as soon as the problem arises.




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