6 Steps To Maintaining A Hot Water Heater
There are a plethora of simple as well as inexpensive methods for boosting the operational efficiency as well as durability of the water heater. Some techniques such as temperature setting and putting insulation could be been just once. Additional methods such as examining the anode rod and tank flushing should be done after every year.
The advantages of taking care of your hot water heater are precise. When you put insulation it minimizes the loss of heat by about 45 percent and can trim off up to 9 percent of the water-heating costs. Tank flushing to remove sediments boosts the performance and durability of the heater. And ascertaining the viable anode rod hangs inside the tank assists in preventing the inside part from rusting. Worn-out rods are more affordable to replace than purchasing new heaters.
Water heaters do great work for you, offering warm baths, sparkling pans and pots, and clean clothes. Therefore maintain your hot water heater by following the routine maintenance steps below which will keep in working for more than 15 years.
How to get the most from your hot water heater:
Step one: Do a test on the TPR Valve
Turn off the power as well as a valve for supplying cold water. Put a bucket below the pipe that makes a connection with the TPR (temperature-pressure-release) valve on the side or top of your tank. The TPR valve opens when the pressure in the tank becomes too high. Lift the tab of the valve to allow some water to drain out, and then let it go. In case water continues to flow, drain out the water partway, remove the old valve by unscrewing with the pipe wrench and set up a new one.
Step two: Examine the Anode Rod
Insert a hose to drain cock of the tank and drain off some water gallons. You now fit the 11 or 16-inch socket to the hex head of the rod under the top plate of the heater or on its top part. Proceed to unscrew the rod. In case it has a thickness below a 1/4 inch, is calcium coated or over 6 inches of your core steel is underexposure you should purchase a new one. Wrap the threads using the Teflon tape, replace its initial position in the tank and securely tighten it. Use a segmented rod in case tank’s headroom is inadequate.
Step three: Do a tank draining and wash away the sediment
Drain the water that remains inside the tank into a bucket and stir up deposits found at the bottom of the tank by shortly opening the valve that supplies cold water. Repeating this draining process multiple times until clean water starts draining out from the hose. Close the tank’s drain cock and do a tank refill. Finally, remember to turn back on the power. The buildup of sediments cuts short the water heater’s lifespan and increases the energy cost due to the reduction of performance.
Step Four: Perform a temperature adjustment
Locate the temperature dial on the tank’s side then unscrew the cover. You could adjust the heater’s dial to about 120 degrees with the help of a screwdriver. For each 10 degrees reduction in temperature, expect to save about 5 percent of the energy bills. Switch off the water heater or your thermostat to its minimum or vacation setting in case you are planning to be away from your house for over three days. Doing this procedure will maintain the pilot light minus water heating.
Step five: Pipe Insulation
Purchase a few self-sticking 3/8-inch thick foam insulation which is coherent with the diameter of the pipe. Spread this foam on both the hot and cold water pipes as much as possible. When you insulate the cold-water pipes, it prevents condensation during summer. Remove the tape and the press the insulation. In case the pipe at least 6 inches from a flue, insulate with an-inch thick pipe wrap.
Step six: Heater insulation
Trim off the insulating blanket to fit accurately around the pipes, TPR valve. Cover the tank’s side and seal cuts using foil tape. Ensure you are not covering the top of gas or oil heaters. Cap the electric water heater using the oversize insulation circle and securely tape its edge to the tank’s side. You should refrain from contacting the flue.
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