Whether you call a plumber or do it yourself, water heater maintenance is an important step in keeping your home stocked with hot showers and baths as well as sterilized plates and clean clothes. The efficiency of your device is directly linked to the care you receive each year. So what does this maintenance process involve?
3-step maintenance plan
By performing this maintenance plan every year, you can significantly extend the life of your device. Each year, you or your plumber should:
– Reduce the maximum temperature
– Test the pressure and temperature relief valve
– Perform a mini rinse to eliminate the accumulation of sediment
Before we discuss our plan you should know about the Arizona Heating and Cooling Doctor owner Reginald Phillips started HVAC in 2006 as a helper installing units in a new home being built around the Tucson area. Before a year of doing so, he was the lead man running his own crew. He worked his way up through the industry to become one of the best service techs in the Tucson area. he opened one of the biggest companies in the Tucson as a there general manager running a company with over 15 techs he taught the trade to them where some of the techs are now business owners themselves. In 2017 he became the owner of Arizona Heating and Cooling with the idea to give homeowners great service at an affordable price. For more information visit theazhvacdoc.com
Lower the maximum temperature
This first step will ensure that you get enough heat without potentially overheating your device. Overheating can cause damage that will affect the efficiency of your water heater and increase your utility bills. And we all know lower energy bills mean happier homeowners!
To do this first step, simply locate the temperature selector and adjust the setting between 115 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Setting the maximum heating temperature at this level also prevents scalding. Lower the temperature to approx. 120 degrees is especially important for young children.
Test the pressure and temperature relief valve
The temperature and pressure valve (also known as the T&P valve) is an important part of your device. As we all know, heat produces pressure because it causes molecules to expand. If this pressure builds up without releasing, an explosion can occur.
To test your T&P valve, simply lift the arm partially and allow it to snap back into place. If this is working properly, you will hear a gargle inside the tank. This sound is produced because the valve has allowed water to enter the drain pipe, relieving the pressure, and you know your T&P valve is doing its job successfully. If you don’t hear that sound, it’s time to replace the valve and avoid a potentially serious accident.
Perform a mini wash to remove sediment buildup
Removing sediment from the bottom of your tank is a necessary but potentially complicated step. But if you keep pace with the sediment by doing these light mini-washes every year, you can come out of the disaster pretty quickly. Sediment causes a host of problems, from oxidation to inefficient heating.
To do this last step, find the drain valve. Place a bucket under the drain, then open the valve and let a few quarts of water run down the drain. It is not necessary to turn off the heating to perform this mini-rinse.
Here! Most homeowners can perform these annual steps on their own, but if you don’t feel comfortable doing them on your own, call your local plumber. Your water heater will surely appreciate it and you will appreciate the savings you get when your unit runs efficiently and lasts a long time!
Maintaining the water heater means lower electricity bills
Paying more than you need for hot water is like throwing energy dollars down the drain. In this article, you will find practical tips on how to maintain your water heater for free, which means a more economical and environmentally friendly way to heat your water. Over time, you can expect your energy savings to more than make up for your initial investment in the job.
Water heater maintenance
Keeping your water heater free from buildup and sediment will run more efficiently, which is especially important if you live in an area with hard water. Because hard water is filled with minerals, minerals can build up in your heater and reduce its efficiency.
Keeping the water temperature below 120 degrees will slow the buildup of sediment, and the water will generally be warm enough for most household uses (unless you like a boiling shower). Dishwashers often require hotter water, but most modern dishwashers come with their own internal heaters that can raise the water temperature to 140 degrees that they need.
Remove sediment
To remove sediment from your water heater, first turn off the water supply to the water heater at the cold water inlet or main check valve in your home. If you have a gas heater, turn the temperature knob all the way to the OFF position and then close the gas supply valve to the gas line. If you have an electric water heater, just turn off the power at the main service panel.
Next, connect a length of garden hose to the heater’s drain valve and place it in a floor drain in your basement or outside (but below the level of the heater. Heating). If you don’t have a long enough hose, put a bucket or tub under the drain, but be prepared to stop and walk while you empty the buckets.
Open the water heater drain and close the hot water faucet to allow air to enter your water system. Water starts to come out of the valve. When the water begins to clear, you can close the valve. If the water remains cloudy for a long time, open the cold water supply valve to remove any remaining sediment.
When done, close the drain valve and close the nearby hot water faucet. If you haven’t already done so, reopen the cold water valve to fill the tank. When the tank is full and you can no longer hear the water flowing into it, turn on the power by turning on the power supply or by opening the gas line and lighting the pilot again. To keep sediment in check, set your thermostat below 120 degrees.