Water Heater Maintenance For Dallas Homeowners
Therefore homeowners should remember that periodic inspection and maintenance of their water heaters is important to keeping the units operating at top efficiency. Therefore, partial draining and annual flushing of the tank will help prevent the buildup of scale and help extend the life of the tank.
Learn about your water heater and what you can do to prolong the life of the heater.
Maintain a Water Heater
Check the Pressure Valve
Both gas and electric water heaters have a safety device called a temperature and pressure relief valve, or T&P valve for short. In the event the tank overpressurizes, the relief valve opens and releases the pressure. If the valve doesn’t operate correctly, the tank can overpressurize and explode.Step 1
Turn off the electricity to the water heater or turn off the gas to extinguish the pilot light. Shut off the cold water inlet to the water heater.
Step 2
Position a bucket to catch water from the pressure relief valve. Pull the trip lever on the valve. You should hear a slight rush of air or see some water and vapor exit through the pressure relief valve. If you don’t, drain the tank and replace the valve.
Step 3
To replace the valve, remove the discharge pipe and unscrew the valve from the water heater. Note the stem length and buy an exact replacement. Screw the new valve into place, tightening with a wrench. Reattach the discharge pipe, turn on the water and either reconnect the electricity or restart the pilot light according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Flush the Tank
Sediment buildup in the tank can reduce your water heater’s energy efficiency and also clog your water lines. Avoid these problems and increase the life of your unit by flushing the tank each time you check the pressure relief valve.
Step 1
Turn off the electricity to the water heater or turn off the gas to extinguish the pilot. Shut off the cold water inlet to the water heater.
Step 2
Connect a garden hose to the tank’s drain valve. Locate the draining end of the hose in an area that won’t be adversely affected by the scalding hot water.
Step 3
With the pressure relief valve open, open the drain valve and allow the tank to drain completely. Completely draining the tank ensures that you’ve removed all of the sediment possible.
Step 4
Close the tank drain valve, disconnect the hose from the valve and close the pressure relief valve. Open all the hot water spigots in the house, and turn on the cold-water inlet to the tank.
Step 5
Close each hot-water spigot as water begins to flow from it. After all the spigots are closed, turn on the electricity to the water heater, or turn the gas switch to run.
Must Maintain Your Water Heater
Your heater can accumulate sediment consisting of a collection of very fine sand and various mineral deposits. The resulting buildup of sediment can harden, resulting in a variety of interesting noises coming from your tank, reduction of the efficiency of your unit and sometimes even clogging the drain valve. Call (214) 238-8353 us for your home service and repair needs.
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