Showing posts with label Plumbing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Plumbing. Show all posts
What's The Best Way To Maintain My Water Heater?
Since most water heaters that utilize hot water tanks have a span of roughly ten years, it is important to regularly maintain your water heater to ensure that it is working properly. In fact, a well maintained water heater will reward you with a longer lifespan, possibly up to twenty years, so make sure that you check and repair problems as they occur.
One of the most common problems experienced by water heaters is a build up of sediment. Mineral deposits can form at the bottom of your tank and, over time, this greatly affects the efficiency of your water heater. You can maintain your water heater by regularly (at least once or twice a year) emptying out the water so that you can clean out the bottom of the tank. When you find the sediment, you will need to open the drain valve so that you can flush out the sediment through the drain. Just flush out the tank by using several buckets of water until the water runs clear and there are no signs of sediment left. By removing sediment and making sure that your water tank is free of mineral buildup, you can prevent serious damage from occurring to your water heater and increase the expected life span.
Since most water heaters that utilize hot water tanks have a span of roughly ten years, it is important to regularly maintain your water heater to ensure that it is working properly. In fact, a well maintained water heater will reward you with a longer lifespan, possibly up to twenty years, so make sure that you check and repair problems as they occur.
This article has been provided courtesy of eLocalPlumbers.com (http://www.elocalplumbers.com), the nation's #1 directory of local plumbers. Find a local plumber or plumbing contractor by zip code and get free plumbing tips and advice at eLocalPlumbers.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Kaplan
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Water Heater Tips and Tricks
It's easy to forget about your water heater. It sits up in your attic or in your garage silently and reliably putting out hot water. It's easy to forget about it until something goes wrong. Water heaters are not as maintenance free as some people would like to believe. This article has some useful tips on keeping your water heater running well for some time to come.
To lower the stress on your water heater and to lower your utility bills, set your thermostat at or around 120 degrees. Any more than that and you put extra pressure on the heater and take the chance of burns caused by scalding water. Many people outgrow their water heater and turn up the thermostat to provide more hot water. Instead, you should add a second heater or upgrade to a larger tank.
Another thing you should do to extend the life of your water heater is to drain the tank of sediment regularly. Even so called self cleaning water heaters can develop a buildup of sediment on the bottom of the tank. Periodically drain the tank to clear the sediment and prevent the bottom of the tank from rusting. While you are at it, make sure that you have a drain pan installed underneath the tank. In case of a break, it will keep your home from flooding. Check the drain often to make sure it is not clogged.
To make your water heater more efficient and save a little money on your electric bill, buy a water heater jacket to place around your tank. It will slow down heat loss through the tank. While you are at it, insulate any exposed hot water pipes. Before doing any of this insulation, check with the manufacturer of your heater to see if they approve of it
By putting these simple steps into effect, you can greatly extend the life of your water heater and improve its efficiency. By not forgetting about your water heater, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars and a lot of aggravation.
James C operates the Plumbers Directory. Find information on local plumbers, water heaters, toilets, pipes, faucets and all things plumbing.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_C
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