Maintaining Your Water Heater: 3 Top Tips
Your water heater is a vital part of your home plumbing system. The water heater is responsible for supplying hot water to your kitchen appliances, bathroom and other areas of your home. Because it forms a key part of your home plumbing system, the water heater will also use a significant amount of energy, which means that a faulty or inefficient water heater could result in higher energy bills. Below is a guide which will help you to keep your water heater in top condition.
Checking the pressure valve
The water heating in your home is fitted with a pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve protects the heater from excessive pressure by discharging excess water from the system. If the pressure relief valve fails or malfunctions, it could lead to a dangerous build-up of pressure which could lead to the water heater exploding. To inspect the condition of the valve, you should turn off the water supply, and press the trip button located on the valve. If the pressure valve is operating correctly, it will release a quality of air and water. If it does not, you should call a plumber and have the valve inspected.
Replacing the anode rod
An anode rod is made of aluminium or magnesium which is located within the water tank in your water heater. The anode rod helps to prevent the corrosion of the metal parts of the water tank. It does this because the magnesium or aluminium will corrode before any steel parts of the tank. However, it is important that you periodically check the anode rod, as if it completely corrodes, the steel of the water tank will be at risk. If you notice that the anode rod is worn away, you should replace it immediately.
Flushing the tank
Over time, sediment can build up on the inside of your water tank. These mineral deposits will reduce the energy efficiency of your water heater. You can deal with this potential problem by periodically flushing the tank. You should first turn off the water supply and disconnect the power supply. You should then insert a hose into the drain valve. Put the other end of the drain hose in a bucket or drain and then open the pressure valve. Water will then flow out of the heater via the hose. Once the water stop flowing, you should then remove the hose, close the pressure valve and turn on the power and water to refill the tank.
If you would like further advice about maintaining your water heater, you should contact a plumber today.
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