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June 25, 2022

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Tips for Maintaining Water Heaters At Home.

A water heater is an important appliance that ensures we have warm water for baths, cooking, laundry, and even dishwashing at home. Typically, these appliances have a lifespan of about 8 to 10 years, but only with proper maintenance.

So, how do you go about the maintenance procedure? Read through the post to learn more about water heaters and the tips for maintaining them at home.

What is a water heater?

A water heater is an appliance used to warm water for different uses at the home, office, or industrial purposes. Since raw water has impurities, having a water heater filter installed in heaters prevents the plumbing system and heating materials from corrosion from the corrosive substances in water.

Performing routine service and maintenance to your water heater doesn’t need you to call a professional plumber. With a bucket, screwdriver, and instructions from the user manual, you can do complete service easily.

Before you begin any operation, ensure you turn off the power supply to the heater for electric water heaters or gas supply for gas water heaters.

Follow the steps below after ensuring no power runs to the appliance.

Do a mini-flush

Prevent rust buildup and corrosion by getting rid of the sediments from the bottom of the heating material, such as a tank. This will also increase the energy efficiency of the heating unit.

While a complete flush is the best, it will need a total power shut-off. Perform a mini-flush because it will take less time and can be done with the power on.

Place the bucket below the drain valve and turn it counterclockwise to drain one to two gallons of water. Be keen while doing this as the water from the heater will be very hot.

Test The Temperature And Pressure Valve

The T and P safety valve is an essential feature in the water heater. It detects abnormal pressure and temperature buildup and opens automatically to release them. Without it, the heater is at high risk of exploding.

The valve is located either on the top or sides of the appliance and has a discharge tube extending to the tank’s base.

To test it, place a bucket below the valve and lift the valve lever to open it manually. This allows water to flow through the tube into the bucket. Allow the flow for some seconds and return the lever to close the valve. Replace the valves if there is still a leak.

Reduce the Temperature

Water heaters are often purchased and connected at a preset temperature between 120 to 140˚F. However, the recommended temperature range for households by US Energy Department is 120˚F, and this step can reduce energy consumption costs significantly.

Depending on the supply you use, gas or electricity, turn off the temperature lever up to 120˚F to meet the recommended standards and increase energy efficiency.

Remember to protect your plumbing system and heating materials; the heater is installed with a water heater filter which also needs regular services like rubbing to improve efficiency and increase durability.

Conclusion.

Water heaters keep our lives easy; they provide warm water for baths, sparkling utensils, and clean clothes. Showing it a little love through regular maintenance will ensure it serves for the maximum duration with constant efficiency. Follow the steps discussed in this article to get the best of your water heater for long.

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