People tend to neglect water heaters because seemingly they appear as a less relevant device in your household.
If you share this opinion, then we must admit it's completely wrong. These things are extremely beneficial.
Namely, they work hard for us, providing the members of your household with clean clothes, spotless pans and bowls, and of course, warm, lovely baths.
So what are we supposed to do to “thank” them for this effortless performance?
We can show them gratitude and love by frequently maintaining them, to ensure every part of it works properly.
If you are responsible enough, you'll have a sidekick with a life expectancy of at least fifteen years!
So, if you're motivated to keep them “alive”, we'll show you how!
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Crucial Water Heater Tips
Know The Type
As soon as you decide to purchase a new home, make sure that it already comes with a solid water heater.
Also, it's of great relevance to know the type. If you're not an expert, when it comes to it, you can at least get the basics, such as the size of the gallon and its age.
Both of these facts should be written down in case you need a plumber at some point.
Besides, another important part of it is the warranty info. Namely, this information can usually be seen either on the water tank or is put on a sticker.
Once you get a hold of all these details, compare the guarantee with the age of the unit.
Why is this crucial? It's because each company determines the warranty for a particular reason, so once the heater age exceeds it, you can pay attention to its condition and possibly notice some signs of deterioration.
Leaking
If you hear a strange noise coming from your water leaking, do not ignore it.
According to experts at https://www.waterheaterleakinginfo.com/ it may be something benign but it can also be a sign that it's leaking. How do you know that something is wrong?
Usually, you will hear the sounds of rushing water, plus your water bill is going to be extremely high.
That's why you should pay close attention to it. Start by turning off devices like television or radio so that you can focus on the sounds arriving from the water heater.
If you hear water dripping while you are standing next to it, then follow that noise to try to detect any leak.
If you can still hear water, yet there's no sign of a leak, then you may be dealing with a break inside your tank.
The next thing to do is to check both, the top and the bottom of the heater.
When it comes to the top, focus on the place where water leaves and enters the tank. As far as the bottom is concerned pay attention to the drain valve. It can often be the cause of water leaks.
What Are Your Other Options?
Insulate Tank
Another smart move that you can make is to insulate the tank. This can greatly benefit the heater.
Not only is it going to decrease energy costs, but it is also going to expand the lifespan of the water heater.
The tank that is being insulated is going to stop heat from escaping, which means that the heater will not work as much to heat the water.
It won't be needing a lot of energy, which instantly means smaller energy bills.
Flush The System
At least once or twice per year, you should drain a couple of gallons out of the heater by utilizing a drain valve.
By doing this, you will get rid of the waste, as well as the sediment, plus it is also going to help make the unit work more silently.
If the sediment piles up it can decrease the water heater's energy efficacy, and also block the water lines.
If you want to flush the system, you can do that by binding a garden hose to the drain valve.
Once this occurs, you should let the water go directly into the bucket, until the water becomes crystal clear.
Additionally, make sure to run it to a location where the hot water is not going to cause any further disasters.
Pressure Valve
It doesn't matter whether you have a gas-powered heater or an electric one, there are two safety gadgets called pressure relief valve and temperature valve. It's crucial to ensure these valves are functioning properly.
If you do not check them out on a regular basis, they may lead to an explosion.
How can you do that? Simply by turning off the power of the heater and also turning off the cold-water inlet.
Once you did that, put a bucket of water below the valve and then pull up the lever.
If this was done properly, you will hear a rush of air and will notice water vapor.
If water keeps on flowing out of the valve, then empty the tank partway by unscrewing the old one and placing a new valve.
Lower The Temperature
There are so many reasons why you should be doing this and these reasons include:
- The risk of scalding is lowered
- Reduced energy expenses
- If the heat is increased it causes the heater to wear down quickly
- Older people, along with children are at greater risk of scalding
Sometimes it can be hard to determine the water temperature.
Now, if the temperature is too low, some pathogens have a great chance of surviving, for example, legionella.
Furthermore, if you set the water heater at 122 degrees, most of these pathogens will disappear in up to 124 minutes.
If you wish to decrease the temperature for gas water, you can accomplish that by simply lowering the dial.
When it comes to the electric water heater, this whole process can be a bit more complicated.
Start by destroying power to the heater. You will notice a tiny metal panel that shields the thermostat. Eliminate the access panel.
Just like with other house appliances, this one also requires your attention and maintenance.
All of us rely on water heaters every single day, therefore, if we take care of it the right way, we will extend its life. Follow these tips and you will do just fine.