Hot Water Heaters Maintenance

Posted on: November 24, 2016
By: Alan O'Neill
Posted in: Plumbing

Hot Water Heaters Maintenance For Houston Homeowners

Hot water heaters work hard for you, providing warm baths, clean clothes, and sparkling pots and pans. So show your water heater some love by following a routine maintenance schedule that will keep it running for its 15-year expected lifetime, and perhaps beyond.

This video shows how to Maintain your Hot Water Heater.

Hot Water Heater Maintenance

Hot Water Heater Tips

• Check the temperature and pressure relief valve on your hot water heater annually to be sure the valve is functioning. Consult the operating manual for the procedure. If the valve does not work, have it replaced. Important Safety Note: Hot water will drain from the line connected to the relief valve when you open it. Have a bucket handy to catch the water. According to the Uniform Plumbing Code, a pipe should be connected to the pressure relief valve, extending down along the side of the tank to within 6 inches of the floor. This extension pipe prevents the spraying of hot water when the valve is released or if a malfunction occurs.
• Every six months, open the drain valve near the hot water heater tank bottom and drain 1 or 2 gallons of water from the hot water heater into a bucket or through a garden hose to remove any sediment that may have accumulated in the tank bottom Note: If this procedure is not done regularly, residual sediment particles may prevent the drain valve from reseating properly upon closing and the valve washer may have to be replaced.
• Inspect the exhaust stack on gas fired hot water heaters to ensure that all pipe connections are secure and free of rust, corrosion, and obstructions (annually). (Note: It is essential that fuel fired hot water heaters vent their gasses to the outside; escape of gasses inside the home could be lethal & pose a fire hazard.)
• If you have installed an insulation blanket around the tank of your hot water heater, about every three months you should check to ensure that the insulation stays in the proper position, noting particularly that it is not blocking the combustion air inlet or the exhaust vent of gas fired units.
• Check the temperature setting on the hot water heater. If it is above 120°F or 140°F, or if your dishwasher does not have its own heating element, you are wasting energy and increasing the risk of you or a family member being scalded by hot water. • Check the temperature gauge on the boiler of your tankless water heater system every six months. Consult the operating instructions to determine the correct temperature setting.

Why does my water heater need maintenance?

Over time, your water heater’s tank accumulates debris. This debris includes small pebbles, sand, dirt, and rust. As this debris builds up it can have a negative effects on the performance of your home’s water heater and the quality of hot water throughout your home. Call (713) 812-7070 us for your home service and repair.

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