Water Heater Maintenance In Dallas For Homeowners
The water heater is something most of us take for granted, until it suddenly stops working. As cold water imposes reality, we desperately dial a plumber or rush off to get a new water heater. All this might be avoided with some regular preventive maintenance.
Water heater maintenance is also known as a ‘drain and flush’ service, and the name pretty much says it all. A professional plumber will drain your water heater’s tank and flush away all of the debris and build-up that has formed in the tank.
Water Heater Maintenance Save You Energy and Cash
“Maintain my water heater? Oh no!” you may be thinking. “Another chore to add to my list.” Don’t worry, though. Water heater maintenance is quick and easy and will keep your heater running efficiently, prolong its life, and ensure comfortable showers all winter long. Take an hour or so to do it once a year — the end of daylight saving time is an excellent reminder. Start by reading the instruction booklet that came with your water heater purchase or look up the directions for your particular model online. Then follow these simple steps. ESSENTIAL: Switch off the electricity or the gas line and the cold water supply. Protect your hands with work gloves.
Test the temperature pressure relief (TPR) valve. Pull up the handle of the temperature pressure relief valve — located near the top of your water heater tank — very carefully to avoid scalds from heated water. You’re checking to see whether hot water will run out of the overflow pipe and stop when you let go of the handle. If no hot water appears, or if it doesn’t stop when the handle is released, the valve needs replacement.
Inspect the anode rod. Also known as the sacrificial anode, this metal rod is “sacrificed” by attracting corrosive elements from the water that enters the heater, sparing the tank itself. The anode starts out life 3/4″ thick and usually lasts for 2-4 years. When it has corroded to less than 1/2″, is coated with a calcium deposit, or has exposed more than 6″ of the steel wire at its core, you’ll know that you need to get a new one.
Flush the tank. Allow the water to cool somewhat to minimize the risk of injury. Attach a hose (in good condition, please, so it won’t leak the water all over your floor) to the tank spigot and position the other end of the hose in your floor drain, a large tub, or out into your yard via a window or door. Drain the tank. Then clear out any mineral sediment, dirt, and other debris which has collected on the bottom of the tank by opening the cold-water valve for a few seconds, draining, and repeating until the water comes out clean. This will make your heater work more efficiently and quietly. When you’re finished, detach the hose. Be sure to refill the tank beforereconnecting the power so that you don’t burn out the heating element. Read more…
The Importance Of Water Heater 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 effect on the performance of your home’s water heater and the quality of hot water throughout your home. Call (214) 238-8353 us for your home service and repair needs.
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