Out of all the types of plumbing problems, water heaters can be considered to pose one of the most common issues. Many of these issues can be prevented with little effort to the homeowner.
The reason many water heaters fail or begin to leak is because the water pumped into the tank leaves behind dirt, sediment, and other minerals. Over time, these minerals accumulate which lowers the efficiency and making the water heater work harder. It can also cause the bottom of the tank to rust. Once rusting sets in, you can find yourself having to dish out money for expensive replacements.
To keep your water heater running smoothly and efficiently, there are some simple routine maintenance practices you can take. Following these steps will not only increase the longevity of your water heater, it will save you money too.
Step 1: Locating The Water Heater
This should be simple. It is usually located in your garage. We urge you to be careful. With water heaters, you will be dealing with gas, electricity, and very hot water and steam.
Step 2: Is It Gas or Electric?
After locating, you need to determine if the water heater is gas or electric. Look around the water heater and read all directions and labels. It should tell you if it is gas operated or electric as well as tell you how to turn it off. Another good indication is if you see a gas pilot light. Turn off the gas to the water heater if it is gas operated or the circuit breaker if it is electric.
Don’t just assume! Remember to read all warnings and labels before trying to turn off the water heater or any kind of maintenance for that matter. If in doubt, call a professional!
Step 3: Locate Water Shutoff Valve, Pressure Release Valve and Water Drain
The water shutoff valve is usually located at the top of the water drain. It looks like your typical water valves that you can find in your front and backyard of the house.
The pressure release valve is also located on the top of the water heater. It should be labeled as such and there should also be piping that leads out of the water heater and into the wall. This piping should continue to the outside of your home, usually to your front yard or entry way. It’s important that you make sure that this is not obstructed in any way!
The water drain should be located at the bottom of the water heater. It is a spout to where you can attach a hose to it.
Step 4: Turn Off Water and Attach The Hose
Now that you know where the shutoff valves are, you need to shutoff the water. After turning off the water, attach a hose to the water drain at the bottom of the water heater.
Step 5: Turn On Water Drain and Pressure Release Valve
Turn on the water drain to release the water from the tank. The water will flow from the water heater and then slowly stop.
After the water has slowed and stopped, you will then turn on the pressure release valve. Doing this will pump out the rest of the water, dirt and sediment that has been built up in the tank over time.
Wait up to 30 minutes for all the water to drain from the water heater tank.
Step 6: Flush The Remaining Sediment Out
Turn off the water drain and remove the hose. Afterwards, place a bucket underneath the water drain.
While keeping the pressure valve open, turn on the water to the water heater and re-open the water drain. This will flush out the rest of the sediment that is leftover in the tank. Allow several gallons worth of draining into your bucket until the water being drained runs clear. If it runs clear, all sediment has been removed and you’re ready to refill the water heater tank.
Step 7: Refill The Tank
Turn off the water drain at the bottom of the tank.
Close the pressure release valve located at the top of the tank.
Turn on the water valve at the top of the water heater to refill the tank.
Once the tank is full, then and only then can you turn the heating source back on. (Gas or Electric) Doing so prematurely can cause heating damage to your water heater.
If you are experiencing any leaks from the valves, make sure they are tightened correctly. Also, if you live in an area where you have a lot of sediment in the water, you can perform this routine on a monthly basis using only a bucket to drain a few gallons of water instead of the entire tank.
Sacrificial Anode Rods
Some water heaters have an anode rod. This is a rod that is inserted into the water heater tank for the specific purpose of attracting sediments and corrosion. In a sense, this anode rod sacrifices itself to corrosion so that the rest of the water heater tank and parts are spared from this same corrosion. If you have an anode rod in your water heater, simple replacement of the rod and flushing (Step 6) of the tank would suffice in keeping your water heater healthy.
For all other water heater emergencies, be sure to give Lapin Services a call for advice or service!
Lapin Services, LLC
3031 40th Street
Orlando, FL 32839
407-841-8200
