How To Maintain A Hot Water Heater
If you are like most people, you probably never give your water heater a second thought -- until the hot water isn't working, of course. And then you might go downstairs or to the closet where the water heater is hiding, only to stare at it without a clue as to what might be wrong, or what to do about it. Then you go find the phone and call the plumber.
But with an hour or so of maintenance only once a year, you can increase the life of your water heater. Many water heaters peter out after ten years of good use, but you can surpass that with these tips:
Keep the temperature at a steady 120 degrees. For every 5 degrees you lower the heat, you can save up to 10% on your water heating bills. Besides that, 120 degrees is the best temperature for the water heater to work at optimum efficiency, while keeping your family safe from serious burns.
Check the anode rod. The anode rod, located in the top and center of the water heater, keeps the tank from getting rusted out. The anode rod will fail over time, but it is always much cheaper to replace the rod than it is to replace the whole unit! Unscrew the rod and give it a look -- if it has white calcium deposits all over it or is thinner than 1/2 inch, replace it with a new one.
Check for leaks. If there is a leak, the likely culprit is the pressure release valve. The valve is meant to keep pressure from building up inside the water heater, but a failing valve will begin to leak water continuously. If that is happening, simply replacing the valve will put the system back in good working order.
Flush the tank. Over time, sediment gets pulled into your water heater, especially if you have galvanized pipes in your home. To combat the sediment, flush the unit with cold water once a year. At first the water will probably run dark brown or gray, but as you flush the heater it will begin to clear up. When the water flows clear, the sediment is gone, and you are set!
These tips are minor maintenance that can be done by a homeowner who is handy with a wrench and screwdriver. If you have your owner's manual for the system, read through it for other tips that pertain to your particular model.
And finally, if you come across something that doesn't look right or that you don't understand, go ahead and call that plumber, then watch the things they do to your system. The more you learn, the more money you will save in the long run with do-it-yourself maintenance.
But with an hour or so of maintenance only once a year, you can increase the life of your water heater. Many water heaters peter out after ten years of good use, but you can surpass that with these tips:
Keep the temperature at a steady 120 degrees. For every 5 degrees you lower the heat, you can save up to 10% on your water heating bills. Besides that, 120 degrees is the best temperature for the water heater to work at optimum efficiency, while keeping your family safe from serious burns.
Check the anode rod. The anode rod, located in the top and center of the water heater, keeps the tank from getting rusted out. The anode rod will fail over time, but it is always much cheaper to replace the rod than it is to replace the whole unit! Unscrew the rod and give it a look -- if it has white calcium deposits all over it or is thinner than 1/2 inch, replace it with a new one.
Check for leaks. If there is a leak, the likely culprit is the pressure release valve. The valve is meant to keep pressure from building up inside the water heater, but a failing valve will begin to leak water continuously. If that is happening, simply replacing the valve will put the system back in good working order.
Flush the tank. Over time, sediment gets pulled into your water heater, especially if you have galvanized pipes in your home. To combat the sediment, flush the unit with cold water once a year. At first the water will probably run dark brown or gray, but as you flush the heater it will begin to clear up. When the water flows clear, the sediment is gone, and you are set!
These tips are minor maintenance that can be done by a homeowner who is handy with a wrench and screwdriver. If you have your owner's manual for the system, read through it for other tips that pertain to your particular model.
And finally, if you come across something that doesn't look right or that you don't understand, go ahead and call that plumber, then watch the things they do to your system. The more you learn, the more money you will save in the long run with do-it-yourself maintenance.
Source...