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Home improvement

A Simple Guide to Maintaining Your Water Heater

Purchasing a water heater tank Philippines can be tedious, but replacing one or getting residential water heater repair bethel park pa can punch a hole in your pocket. You’ll want to ensure your heater will last long, so knowing how to do proper maintenance is an order.

What Happens if I Don’t Maintain My Heater?

A properly maintained water heater repair novi mi will have a lifespan of 8-12 years. Neglecting to care for it will cut half of its total service years.

We all know that water can be quite corrosive and can be home to plenty of unwanted things. For instance, water tanks are prone to limescale buildup, which can clog pipes if not removed as soon as possible. Water will also cause rust on old tanks and other metal components of your heater. A rusted tank can be dangerous as this can make it burst. Moreover, the bottom of your tank can become the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

How Do I Maintain My Water Heater?

Water heaters need to be maintained annually to ensure prolonging their lifespan. If you have maintenance services, you don’t have to worry. But if you need to do it yourself, here’s a guide to help you flush that water heater without damaging it.

Turn the Power Off

Always turn it off regardless of the source of power your water heater relies on. You can’t risk sustaining an injury from carelessness, especially if your heater is electric. It’s best to switch the breaker off or turn the pilot knob if you’re using gas-fueled units. Remember, call a professional if you’re unsure how safe the maintenance will be.

Inspect the Pressure Valve

The T&P, or the temperature and relief valve, is a safety device installed in your water heater to prevent the tank from over pressurizing and exploding. The relief valve should release pressure in case such an event happens. If you want to inspect this thoroughly, make sure to follow the instructions below:

  • Turn off the electricity or any power source to your heater, then shut off the cold-water inlet.
  • Put a bucket underneath the end of the discharge tube connected to the T&P valve. Pull the trip lever of the valve to release. You should hear a gush of air, water, and vapor escape through the pressure relief. 
  • Drain the water and replace the valve if no air or water exits.
  • Allow water to drain for a few seconds, then release the lever to shut it back. 

Always wear gloves, goggles, and other protective equipment when maintaining the water heater. Note that water exiting the valve will be hot, so be careful.

Do a Little Flush

One of the biggest problems that can damage your heater is sediments and other buildups that will clog pipelines.

  • Turn off the water heater’s thermostat.
  • If you’re using a gas heater, turn the valve to “off.”
  • Switch off the cold-water inlet.
  • Turn the hot water faucet on in your sink or tub to prevent vacuum formation in the pipelines.
  • Look for the drainage spigot and connect a gardening hose that leads outside or into a bucket.
  • Turn the spigot on and drain the tank until you no longer see sediments.
  • Flush your tank by turning on the cold-water spigot leading to your water tank. Allow it to flow for a few minutes until water from the hose flows clear.
  • Once finished, remove the hose and replace everything you removed. Turn the tub or sink on to let the air out of the lines. Turn your thermostat and fuel source back on and allow your tank to heat a new water supply. If you’re using a multi-point water heater Philippines, activate one spigot to check if hot water is running.

Are you looking for the perfect water heater than can serve you for a long time? Check out the innovative models available on Rheem Philippines. Visit their website https://www.rheemphilippines.com/ to learn more.