Plumbing Tips - Maintain Hot Water Heater
Many people do not fully appreciate how important their hot water heater is until it malfunctions and everyone in the house is taking cold showers.
These household items usually found in our garages or basements are the mechanisms that heat all of water for us to have it available in our sinks, kitchens, and bathtubs.
They are made to last for a long time if they are maintained properly.
The following will outline three steps you can do, as a homeowner, to maximize the life of your water heater.
Check the Temperature and Lower the Level Take a look at your hot water heater's temperature gauge.
It should be somewhere between 115 and 120 degrees.
Lower the temperature a little bit.
Doing some will not only keep this device from overheating but will save you money on your monthly utility bills.
Test the Pressure Relief Valve This is an easy way to see if your water heater will have to be replaced soon or not.
Locate the pressure relief valve and lift it halfway.
It should automatically snap back to its original position.
You should also hear some sort of noise as water is released back down the drain tube.
In the event that this valve does not work then you know you will have to start looking for a replacement.
Flush System As a hot water heaters is running small deposits build up at the bottom of the tank.
In time becomes a recipe for corrosion and rusting.
You cannot do a total flush in most cases because the whole whole system must be turned completely off and the water tank must be completely full.
Here is how one can do a partial flush.
Put some type type of container (like a bucket) under the drain valve.
It is located at the bottom of the hot water tank.
Turn the valve counter clockwise.
The heater will proceed to release water into the container.
It will not be more than a few gallons.
Make absolutely certain that you turn the power off if you have a water heater that runs off electricity.
It can be a huge safety issue if you do not.
If any of the connections are damaged in any way then you should call a technician out to take care of it for you.
If you have a gas water heater make certain the gas is off and pilot light is not on before you do anything.
These are basic steps that you can do once or twice per year to make sure your hot water heater is running as optimal as it possibly can.
If you have any problems are cannot do it yourself make certain you call a local plumber in the area to take care of it for you.
These household items usually found in our garages or basements are the mechanisms that heat all of water for us to have it available in our sinks, kitchens, and bathtubs.
They are made to last for a long time if they are maintained properly.
The following will outline three steps you can do, as a homeowner, to maximize the life of your water heater.
Check the Temperature and Lower the Level Take a look at your hot water heater's temperature gauge.
It should be somewhere between 115 and 120 degrees.
Lower the temperature a little bit.
Doing some will not only keep this device from overheating but will save you money on your monthly utility bills.
Test the Pressure Relief Valve This is an easy way to see if your water heater will have to be replaced soon or not.
Locate the pressure relief valve and lift it halfway.
It should automatically snap back to its original position.
You should also hear some sort of noise as water is released back down the drain tube.
In the event that this valve does not work then you know you will have to start looking for a replacement.
Flush System As a hot water heaters is running small deposits build up at the bottom of the tank.
In time becomes a recipe for corrosion and rusting.
You cannot do a total flush in most cases because the whole whole system must be turned completely off and the water tank must be completely full.
Here is how one can do a partial flush.
Put some type type of container (like a bucket) under the drain valve.
It is located at the bottom of the hot water tank.
Turn the valve counter clockwise.
The heater will proceed to release water into the container.
It will not be more than a few gallons.
Make absolutely certain that you turn the power off if you have a water heater that runs off electricity.
It can be a huge safety issue if you do not.
If any of the connections are damaged in any way then you should call a technician out to take care of it for you.
If you have a gas water heater make certain the gas is off and pilot light is not on before you do anything.
These are basic steps that you can do once or twice per year to make sure your hot water heater is running as optimal as it possibly can.
If you have any problems are cannot do it yourself make certain you call a local plumber in the area to take care of it for you.
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