Maintenance Tips For Your Storage Tank Water Heater
Most homeowners in the United States use conventional storage water heaters. These storage tank models are highly preferred because they are cheaper to buy and install. Nowadays more and more consumers are opting for tankless or on demand water heaters because they are more efficient, last longer, and take up less space when installed. Storage tank water heaters are also preferred because they come in many different sizes and capacities all suitable for varying hot water needs. Like all other water heating units, conventional storage water heaters use various types of fuels. Some use electricity, others natural gas and/or propane, and other models are hybrid and hence use two or more types of fuels including or excluding solar. Anyway, like all other plumbing appliances in your home, conventional storage water heaters require special care and maintenance to enhance their functionality and ensure their longevity. Hot water heaters are costly plumbing appliances and if you do not afford them the care they need then you will spend a lot of money on water heater repairs and replacements. The following maintenance tips can help you save on water heater repairs and extend the lifetime of your water heater significantly.
Inspect The Pressure Relief Valve Regularly
A storage tank water heater feature a pressure relief valve that is used to relieve pressure from the tank. The pressure relief valve is usually clearly marked on your water heater but you can always check the water heater manual to find its location. You should always make sure that the water pressure relief valve on your water heater is functioning properly. Turn it manually to check that it’s not sticking but rather opening and closing smoothly. The water heater tank could explode if the pressure relief valve is stuck. You should also ensure that the drain outlet ifs always clear.
Flush The Storage Tank Regularly
The water heater tank is one of the most sensitive parts of this appliance. You should always ensure that no sediments accumulate in the hot water tank to avoid malfunctions. Accumulation of dirt and other sediments in the hot water tank can undermine the functionality of the heating element, the drain valve, and even the pressure relief valve. You should flush the hot water tank regularly to remove any sediment buildup in its base. You can use a hose to clean out all the sediments via the drain outlet — after opening the pressure relief valve and the drain valve.
Inspect And Replace The Anode Rod If Corroded
The anode rod plays a very important role inside the hot water tank. This rod attracts all corrosive elements from the water thereby protecting the tank from corroding and rust. This piece of metal “sacrifices” itself by doing so and it gets eaten away by corrosion and rust with time. You should inspect the anode rod in your hot water heater regularly to ensure that it’s still functioning properly. You should replace it immediately you discover that it’s very much corroded and not working properly.
Call A Professional To Fix Any Serious Faults
In order to ensure the health of your storage tank water heater, you should always call a professional plumber, and if necessary, one who provides Arlington emergency plumbing services. A water heater breakdown is considered a plumbing emergency by most plumbers. You should not hesitate to call your local emergency plumber when your water heater breaks down.
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