This is a great time of year to take a look at your water heater and make sure it is going to get you through the winter with no problems. Here are some water heater maintenance tips to help you.
Many property owners do not know exactly how crucial water heaters can be till they, sadly, stop working. Similar to any other machine, water heaters are quite susceptible to wear and tear from constant usage. This implies that keeping water heaters in their best condition is of the utmost importance. Below are 5 pointers to bear in mind in order to extend their life and keep them in appropriate condition for as long as possible.
Just like the human body, the tank of the water heater has to be effectively insulated, especially in cold weather. Wrapping it with some type of insulation will make water heaters more energy-efficient and will enable them to swiftly heat up regardless of the cold ambient temperature.
Also, insulation avoids the buildup of moisture which can contribute to corrosion in the tank. Nevertheless, any old sheet from the closet will not work correctly as the tank requires a special blanket for correct insulation. Fortunately, they can easily be purchased at a local hardware shop.
Explosions are a major threat with Water heaters. However, this does not imply that they are not designed with fail safes. If too much pressure is detected at the tank, the heater will activate a pressure release valve to stabilize the tank and keep it from disintegrating in a loud explosion. One good sign that the valve is in working condition is that the tank constantly releases excess water and steam.
To prevent undesirable accidents, you have to make sure that this valve is at its functional condition at all times. Make sure that the valve is not covered in rust so you can turn it quickly in case of issues. Also, turning the valve in an “open” position is recommended in keeping it functional for a long time possible.
Water heaters that are not properly attached are just accidents waiting to happen. If the tank was to fall over, it might cause the tank to spill hot water all over the place or even explode. When installing the tank, make sure to have it bolted to the wall or floor to decrease vibrations. Wrapping a strapping kit around the tank is another way of keeping it stable. It is likewise recommended to check if the tank is still fixed in place from time to time.
A lot of homeowners tend to turn the area around their water heaters to a storage compartment of sorts. The clutter can accumulate moisture which causes deterioration in the tank and can even become fuel in case of a fire. To prevent this, allow for at least 3 feet of free space between the tank and other objects.
Due to impurities in the water, a tank could gather sediments which cause corrosion. To keep the Water heaters in their best condition, it is best to require a plumbing and heating specialist to pry the tank open and get rid of the sediment buildup. Once cleaned, it is anticipated that the tank’s life-span can extend to several even more years conserving you on water heater repair works.
We hope you find these water heater maintenance tips helpful. Black Mountain Plumbing is who to call for water heater installation and water heater repair. Our experienced plumbers will do the job right! and give Call on (858) 536-4161 for more water heater maintenance tips.
Serving San Diego and San Diego County for over 25 years with quality work and great service. We also service these cities – El Cajon, La Mesa, Lakeside, Poway, Ramona, Santee, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, University City, Tierrasanta, Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, Encinitas, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Leucadia, Sorrento Valley, Miramar, Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Vista, Carlsbad, San Marcos, Fairbanks Ranch, 4S Ranch, and Sabre Springs.