Water Heater Maintenance
A water heater, just like other appliances, can last long enough for you to get the most out of your money. It is indeed an investment. While you can buy a good water heater for only $200, you may want to do regular water heater maintenance just like how you would maintain an expensive piece of furniture or a refrigerator to ensure that your unit lasts long. Below are some tips and advice on water heater maintenance.
Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve needs to be checked every six months. It is prone to deposit buildup. The pressure relief valve is the one responsible for keeping the temperature and pressure at a normal level. It opens when one or both of the temperature and pressure exceeds the normal level. Without regular pressure relief valve-water heater maintenance, the valve can cause an explosion. you can check the gas heaters for incorrect fuel of burning with the use of a carbon monoxide tester near the pilot light.
The pressure relief valve’s location varies from brand to brand. You can refer to the user’s manual to know the exact location of the pressure relief valve in your water heater. The pressure relief valve-water heater maintenance should start by turning the gas switch or the electricity off. It depends on the type of your water heater. You should also cut off the water heater’s cold water supply. Get a pail or container. Place it under the pressure relief valve. It should have the water from the valve. You will find a lever in the pressure relief valve. Stir the lever and observe if there is air, vapor or water that will come out the pressure relief valve. If nothing comes out, yuou should consider replacing the pressure relief valve. Lastly, get a hose and attach it to the drain valve.
Tank
A part of the every water heater maintenance is flushing or draining the tank. it should be done twice a year.
To start water heater maintenance for the tank, make sure that your electric water heater is turned off or the gas switch of a gas water heater is in pilot. Turn off the cold water supply. Get a hose. Attach it to the drain valve. Make sure that the hose’s other end is in an area where nothing can be damaged by the hot water. Make sure that the pressure relief vavle is opened before gtrying to drain the tank, too. close the pressure relief valve afterwards. next, make sure that all the faucets have the hot water control turned on. You can then turn on the cold water pipe of the tank after. When water starts to come out the faucets, shut them off one by one. You can then turn on the electric power or put the gas switch into run mode.
Tankless
You need to shut the unit off before doing tankless water heater maintenance. Turn off the outlet and inlet of water valves. Usually, they can be turned off by turning the handles towards the clockwise direction. You can use white vinegar for water heater maintenance and cleaning. Put it in a pail or basin. Place the water pump into the white vinegar.
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