To prolong the life of your water heater, you need to perform basic maintenance. Regularly flush the tank and clean the air intake filter. Other maintenance tips include insulating the cold water and hot water pipes. For additional safety, clean the pressure release valve. If there are issues, contact a plumber like the one at the water heater company San Francisco, CA.
Flushing Your Water Heater at Least Once a Year
Flushing your water heater is a great way to maintain the efficiency of your system, and it can ensure that it operates at its peak for many years. Fortunately, the process is simple and quick. Regardless of the type of water heater you have, flushing it at least once a year can ensure that it continues to run smoothly and efficiently.
To flush your water heater, you’ll need a hose to attach to the flushing valve and a bucket or large bowl to act as a reservoir. First, you’ll need to shut off the power to the heater. This will ensure that the water is cool enough to work with. You’ll want to do this at least 30 minutes before you’re ready to shower or take a bath.
The frequency at which you flush your water heater depends on your water quality. If you live in an area where the water is particularly hard, you may need to flush it more often than others. If you have a small household, you might not have to flush your water heater every year, but if you have a larger family, you should do it at least once a year.
Insulating The Hot and Cold Water Pipes
The easiest way to properly insulate the hot and cold water pipes from your water heater is to wrap them with pipe insulation. You can buy flexible insulation that is easy to cut and fit around your pipes. Just measure your pipes starting from the water heater and cut the insulation sleeves to fit your pipes. Once cut, place them around the pipes with the seams facing down. Then, use tape, wire, or cable ties to secure them.
Before insulating the pipes, clean them thoroughly to remove any residue or dirt. It would help if you also dried the pipes properly before installing the insulation. This will prevent the insulation from coming off the pipes. Be careful not to use a damp cleaning solution on the pipes since it will make the insulation less effective. If you do not clean the pipes properly, self-sealing strips and duct tape may fall off, and the insulation will not stick properly.
Proper insulation of cold water pipes can help prevent the buildup of condensation. Condensation can cause damage to the interior of your home. While insulating the pipes properly, you should also take the time to install the appropriate water heater. Fortunately, this step is easy and inexpensive.
Checking the Pressure-Release Valve
Checking the pressure-release valve is one of the most important tasks you can perform when maintaining water heaters. This safety valve releases pressure in the water tank if the temperature gets too high, preventing a potentially disastrous explosion. It should be checked annually. In addition to checking the pressure-release valve, you should also ensure that the pressure-relief valve is properly configured.
Checking the pressure-release valve is a relatively simple task. It is usually located on the top of the water tank on the right side of the inlet. The pressure-release valve should be secured firmly to prevent the escaping of hot water. Next, place a bucket under the discharge tube. Pull on the metal lever to release a small amount of water from the tank.
If you notice any leaks, the pressure-release valve may be faulty. If you are unable to find it, call a plumber for assistance. You can test the valve once or twice a year to increase your chances of finding a problem early.
Cleaning The Air Intake Filter
Water heaters have an air intake filter. It prevents dirt and bugs from entering the system. When the filter becomes dirty, the water heater stops functioning properly and may give you an error message. Luckily, cleaning the filter is an easy process that doesn’t require special tools.
You’ll first need to turn off your water heater to clean the air intake filter. Ensure the power supply is disconnected, and then open the front cover. Once open, pull the air filter out toward the front of the heater. Clean it thoroughly by wiping off any dirt and debris.
The filter is held in place by a simple catching mechanism. Once removed, the filter can be easily washed with water. The most effective way to clean the air intake filter is to use a blower to clear dust.
