Saturday, August 10, 2013

When To Replace A Hot Water Heater

When To Replace A Hot Water Heater

By Brian Winters


Water heaters should be maintained from to time to prevent it from malfunctioning too soon. However, decade-old water heaters that have undergone frequent maintenance will eventually stop working due to wear and tear. Plan ahead right before your water heater breaks down to avoid inconvenience.

Prevent accidents from happening by turning off the heating source of the unit prior to carrying out repairs. This is important since a water heater can be a dangerous heating device if not handled properly. Shut down the cold water valve to stop water from entering the tank.

Draining the tank helps you inspect your unit thoroughly. After turning the power or gas supply off, connect a garden hose to the drain valve and open it. Make sure the other end is placed in a secure drainage to avoid scalding water. If it's not too much of an inconvenience, you can turn off the unit the night before draining it.

Remove the sediments lying at the bottom of the tank by turning on the cold water supply valve. This will flush the hard water minerals inside, protecting your water from contaminating. Make sure to place a bucket below the drain valve to catch the sediments being drained out. Refill the tank when the water runs clear before turning the heater on.

Draining and flushing the tank removes the hard water minerals lying inside the tank. However, if you keep on getting rusty-colored water that comes with a foul odor, you may have to replace the unit instead. Sediments may have accumulated, to the point where the tank can no longer handle it.

Always check the anode rod of your unit to protect your tank lining from corroding. This sacrificial rod is responsible for absorbing all charged water molecules, preventing your tank from doing so. Keep it in good condition at all times and replace it as soon as it measures less than of an inch. To ensure proper anode rod installation, do not hesitate to ask help from a specialist.

Find out the cause of the problem if you keep on having varying temperatures. Check if you have a faulty thermostat or if the temperature was adjusted without you knowing it. You can set the temperature between 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the heater from overheating. Excessive temperature can cause the heater to rust and blow up easily. You are left with no choice but to buy a replacement once your tank lining gets rusty.

To save money, have your old unit checked by a specialist to see if the damage is beyond repair. If so, start looking for a replacement water heater to continue having access to hot water for your convenience. Do not buy a unit haphazardly and choose a heater that will meet your hot water needs.




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