Just try to imagine that cold winter morning when you have to rush for office and the water heater stops working. It’s one of those ‘catch 22’ situation, where a person is unable to control some situation that hampers his daily life. So ask yourself some questions like, do you like to take warm showers? Perhaps on those chilly mornings, you would like to fill the tub and take a bubble bath in order to soothe those aching muscles.
The water heater is one of the most important plumbing appliance in your home. Its uses are multiple as one not only uses it to bathe, but it is important in dish washing, sanitizing your kitchen, and washing clothes. But if your water heater is not working in perfect condition, not giving you the preferred temperature and boiling point, its high time you start to conduct a regular maintenance and check for the appliance.
Here are a few tips on Maintaining Your Water Heater
Water Heater General Maintenance Techniques
It does not take a lot of time for you to go into the utility room twice a year, where your water heater is located. To do a thorough maintenance test, check around the base of the heater, especially around the burner, remove dirt and dust particles, stray laundry items and debris from that area. If there are any flammable items near the heater, shift them to a safer location, such as in a safety cabinet in your garage.
The next thing to check-up is the top vents of your heater. Clean any dirt and dust from this location. Ensure that there is a free flow of air and also no obstructions around the vents. If your heater is not backed up to the wall or other sturdy structure, make sure to do that. It is necessary, in the event of a natural disaster, as your heater could tip over and injure someone or burst, thus causing a flood.
Your local hardware store or a plumbing company has metal strapping, which is perfect for securing your heater. While you do that, purchase an insulated covering to place around your water heater, which will make it work more efficiently.
Analyzing The Water Heater Flushing
Never forget to flush the full system once a year as sediment and hard water buildup in your water heater tank, can cause pipeline corrosion and water dripping, which could only be repaired and replaced by a licensed plumbing company. For doing so you need to turn off the incoming fresh water valve located at the top of the tank. If yours is an electric heater, turn off the power supply. Hook a hose to the drain valve, and point the hose end into a sink or drain that can safely accept hot water. After this open the drain valve and allow the tank to get empty. Once empty, open the fresh water supply to flush out any remaining sediment.
Give a last glance in the tank for your satisfaction, close the drain valve, restore power, and allow the tank to refill. After about 30-40 minutes, test the hot water to make sure the heater is working normally. If things still don’t work out, don’t get disappointed. Remember, for any plumbing assistance with your water heater, be sure to call a local plumbing company. So that you can get a faster and fulfilled plumbing assistance.
