Your home’s water heater is very much the unsung hero of your home. You never really think about how you are getting hot water, other than you open a faucet, and there it is. But on that one day that you turn on the shower or faucet and have no hot water, you begin to wish that you had paid more attention to your water heater. A little TLC can go a long way to extending the life of your water heater and saving you from suffering through a cold shower.
A Quick Monthly Inspection
It only takes a few minutes to take a good look at the condition of your water heater and the area around it. First, be sure that the space around your water heater is clear from items that will block the airflow and create an issue if there is ever a water leak. The air circulation is good for the water heater’s function and adds to the safety of your home and your loved ones. It will also make it faster and easier for you to invest five minutes inspecting the unit each month.
Look for any signs of a water leak on the floor, on the holding tank, or along any of the exposed piping supplying the water heater or distributing hot water throughout your home. Any leaks in the piping can easily be repaired by a professional plumber and avoid costly water damage.
Next, examine the holding tank for any signs of rust or corrosion. Even a small area with rust is important because it will continue to grow and result in a leak of hot water that could cause water damage and burn humans or pets in the area. If you locate any rust damage on the holding tank, understand that it is time to replace the unit. There is no industry acceptable process to repair damage to the holding tank of a traditional water heater.
Spring Cleaning
Just like most items in your home, a little care and maintenance will go a long way to increasing the life of your water heater. While the typical unit will last 10-12 years, that number only applies when the tank is drained and flushed on an annual basis. Draining and flushing the holding tank removes all of the sediment that remains in the tank and eventually causes life-ending corrosion damage to the tank.
To drain and flush the tank, start by turning off the power to the unit and the water supply line. Next, attach a hose to the drain at the base of the holding tank. Run the hose to a floor drain or outside. But do not drain the hot water onto the grass of any plant material. Open the valve and allow the hot water to drain from the tank. Opening the pressure relief valve will allow the tank to drain more rapidly.
Close the pressure relief valve when the tank is empty. Next, turn the water supply back on. This will flush out any sediment that is remaining in the drained tank. When the water coming out of the hose is clear, the tank is clean. Shut the drain valve and allow the water heater tank to refill. Be sure to turn the power to the water heater back on so that the tank will begin to heat.
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Professional Help
If you have noticed that your hot water is only getting warm but not hot, it is time to call in the pros from Metroplex Leak & Line. There are many reasons that the unit is not working correctly. But the best news is that a professional plumber can repair these issues and save you a lot. If you discover that your hot water has a strange taste, odd odor, or is yellow or brown, there is likely contamination in the holding tank. Some plumbers would tell you that this means you need a new water heater. But the pros at Metroplex Leak & Line can clean and disinfect the tank and save you a great deal of money. Give us a call at (214) 388-4525, and know that our pros will always provide you with cost-effective solutions.
