Most water heaters will last for 7-15 years, but if you don’t maintain your water heater properly, not only will it breakdown on you sooner than it should, but also, you’ll be paying a lot more to run it than you would if you did maintain it. Because we want you to keep your energy bill as low as possible throughout the year, we’re going to share with you the procedures you should perform every 6 months to keep your water heater operating safely and efficiently for years to come.
Check the Pressure Valve
Whether you have a gas water heater or an electric one, your water heater has a little device called a pressure release valve. In the event that your water heater overpressurizes, the pressure release valve should open up and release that pressure. It is imperative that this valve is in good working condition, because if it’s not, the tank can overpressurize and explode. Here’s how to check the pressure valve in the safest way possible:
Step 1: Put on gloves, goggles and full protective gear before proceeding with any maintenance on your water heater.
Step 2: Turn off the electricity to the water heater and turn the gas switch to pilot.
Step 3: Shut off the cold water inlet to the water heater.
Step 4: Position a bucket to catch any water from the pressure release valve.
Step 5: Pull the trip level on the valve. You should hear a slight whoosh of air and seem some water and vapor exit through the pressure valve. If you don’t, that means it isn’t operating properly. At this point, drain the tank and replace the valve.
Flush the Tank
Sediment build up occurs in water heater tanks and as a result, reduces energy efficiency and clogs the water lines. To avoid these problems – and it to increase your water heater’s lifespan – flush the tank each time you check the pressure valve, even if your pressure valve is in good working condition. Here’s how to do it:
(Do not forget to wear your protective gear!)
Step 1: Turn off the electricity to your water heater, and if you have a gas tank, switch the gas to pilot.
Step 2: Shut off the cold-water inlet to the water heater.
Step 3: Connect a water hose to the tank’s drain valve. Make sure it is on completely, as you do not want any water seeping through and spraying you; the water is scorching hot! Also, make sure that there are no holes in your hose, especially near to where you’ll be standing.
Step 4: Locate the draining end of the hose and make sure to direct it to an area that won’t be negatively affected by scalding hot water.
Step 5: Open the pressure relief valve, then open the drain valve and allow the tank to drain completely.
Step 6: Once drained, close the tank drain valve, disconnect the hose and close the pressure release valve.
Step 7: Open all the hot water spigots in your home and turn on the cold water inlet to the tank.
Step 8: As water begins to flow from each spigot, turn the water off. After the spigots are closed, turn on the electricity to the water heater, or turn the gas switch to run.
Leaks and Drips
Most leaks are caused by faulty water supply condition. Using quality materials and proven techniques, carefully correct the leak with either compression fittings or, if you’re experienced, with soldering tools.
If the drips are coming from the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve discharge pipe, you may need a thermal expansion tank.
We don’t exactly specialize in water heater maintenance, but we do specialize remodeling projects that aim to make your home more beautiful AND more energy efficient. If you would like to save money this winter, give us a call at 619-770-9437, or email us at [email protected] to schedule your FREE ESTIMATE today!
Check the Pressure Valve
Whether you have a gas water heater or an electric one, your water heater has a little device called a pressure release valve. In the event that your water heater overpressurizes, the pressure release valve should open up and release that pressure. It is imperative that this valve is in good working condition, because if it’s not, the tank can overpressurize and explode. Here’s how to check the pressure valve in the safest way possible:
Step 1: Put on gloves, goggles and full protective gear before proceeding with any maintenance on your water heater.
Step 2: Turn off the electricity to the water heater and turn the gas switch to pilot.
Step 3: Shut off the cold water inlet to the water heater.
Step 4: Position a bucket to catch any water from the pressure release valve.
Step 5: Pull the trip level on the valve. You should hear a slight whoosh of air and seem some water and vapor exit through the pressure valve. If you don’t, that means it isn’t operating properly. At this point, drain the tank and replace the valve.
Flush the Tank
Sediment build up occurs in water heater tanks and as a result, reduces energy efficiency and clogs the water lines. To avoid these problems – and it to increase your water heater’s lifespan – flush the tank each time you check the pressure valve, even if your pressure valve is in good working condition. Here’s how to do it:
(Do not forget to wear your protective gear!)
Step 1: Turn off the electricity to your water heater, and if you have a gas tank, switch the gas to pilot.
Step 2: Shut off the cold-water inlet to the water heater.
Step 3: Connect a water hose to the tank’s drain valve. Make sure it is on completely, as you do not want any water seeping through and spraying you; the water is scorching hot! Also, make sure that there are no holes in your hose, especially near to where you’ll be standing.
Step 4: Locate the draining end of the hose and make sure to direct it to an area that won’t be negatively affected by scalding hot water.
Step 5: Open the pressure relief valve, then open the drain valve and allow the tank to drain completely.
Step 6: Once drained, close the tank drain valve, disconnect the hose and close the pressure release valve.
Step 7: Open all the hot water spigots in your home and turn on the cold water inlet to the tank.
Step 8: As water begins to flow from each spigot, turn the water off. After the spigots are closed, turn on the electricity to the water heater, or turn the gas switch to run.
Leaks and Drips
Most leaks are caused by faulty water supply condition. Using quality materials and proven techniques, carefully correct the leak with either compression fittings or, if you’re experienced, with soldering tools.
If the drips are coming from the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve discharge pipe, you may need a thermal expansion tank.
We don’t exactly specialize in water heater maintenance, but we do specialize remodeling projects that aim to make your home more beautiful AND more energy efficient. If you would like to save money this winter, give us a call at 619-770-9437, or email us at [email protected] to schedule your FREE ESTIMATE today!