Your water heater is in all probability the most important element of your properties plumbing method. A adequately maintained heater can final from ten to fifteen years or far more. But, a heater not appropriately maintained can fail in 4 to six years. The situation of the drinking water in your region and the location of the heater in your home are out of your control, but proper maintenance of the heater and your plumbing system is important to heater longevity and safety.
This article provides you a list of items to check for each tank form and tankless water heaters. As you go via the actions in checking your heater, if you have the slightest doubt in your capacity, get a expert, licensed plumber involved! You are dealing with hot water, all-natural gas, and electrical energy!
Tank Form Water Heater Maintenance:
Vent (Gas Water Heaters Only)
The vent ought to be the identical diameter as the draft diverter on the heater tank.
The vent should go usually “up and out” the ceiling.
Where is passes by means of the exterior wall, the vent should really be double-walled.
Vent sections should be screwed collectively with a minimum three screws per section.
Note: Negative vent pipe connections can fall apart and lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, the silent and deadly gas!
Temperature & Stress Relief Valve (T&P Valve)The T&P valve is made to prevent the heater from exploding if the water stress or temperature exceeds safe limits.
Pull up the manage on the valve and water should really flow out and stop when you let go of the deal with.
The T&P valve has a drain line that need to go down to about six” from the floor or be plumbed outdoors your household.
Note: Water leaking out of a T&P drain line can signal a bad T&P valve, high water pressure, or a malfunctioning thermal expansion device.
Water Pressure (All Water Heaters)
Water pressure more than 80 pounds per square inch (psi) can harm heaters and your piping. It can also harm plumbing appliances, toilets, and your fixtures.
Note: 1 giveaway that your have higher water pressure is when the T&P Valve on the heater starts opening and closing.
Outer Water Heater Metal Shell & Plumbing Fittings
Inspect the heater outer sheet metal shell for leaks or rusting.
Inspect the plumbing fittings on the heater for corrosion, rust, or water spotting.
Note: Rusty fittings or discolored shell is a telltale sign that a leak is present!
Temperature Handle
Inspect the heater temperature handle dial to insure its set at the appropriate water temperature.
The ideal water temperature is 120° Fahrenheit.
Note: Something above 120° Fahrenheit tremendously increases scalding danger, power use, and sediment develop-up in the bottom of the heater!
Combustion Chamber (Gas Water Heaters)
Turn the gas valve handle to “pilot position”.
Remove the outer access hatch or cover on the side of the heater.
Inspect the roof of the chamber for heavy rusting, water marking, or pitting.
Return the gas valve control back to the “on position”.
Note: Black soot in the combustion chamber signifies drafting challenges, combustion problems, fume issues, and a fire hazard!
Pedestal Base (Gas Water Heaters)
Make certain the pedestal base the heater rests on is stable and supports the unit.
The standard pedestal will preserve the bottom of the heater at least 18″ off the floor.
Note: A newer water heater may well have a “filtered combustion chamber” that is supposed to resolve the require for a pedestal. Verify the owner’s manual for your heater.
Drain Valve
Open the drain valve to insure that mineral sediment, anode sludge, or rust has not clogged your heaters drain.
Drain Overflow Pan
If your heater is on the 2nd floor above living space it ought to have a drain pan.
The drain pan need to be plumbed to the outside of your home.
Inspect the situation of the drain pan, fittings, and piping to the outside.
Corrosive Fumes (Gas Water Heaters & Tankless Water Heaters)
Water heaters draw air in for combustion and the good quality of the air is significant.
Corrosive liquids, ammonia, or acids stored close to a heater can lead to corrosive air.
Note: Corrosive air drawn into the burner can prematurely corrode the heater.
Internal Tank Corrosion and Rust-The internal tank of your heater is constructed of steel and glass lined to avoid rust. Sacrificial anode rods are installed in the tank to shield the glass lined internal steel tank from rust. Aluminum/Zinc or magnesium anode rods corrode more than time and get utilized up through an electrolytic process.
Note: Replacing the anode rod can extend the life of the heater but, really should be completed by a educated, qualified service technician.
Sediment Develop-up-Sediment is made when really hard water is heated. The construct-up of sediment in the bottom of the tank can cause the bottom to overheat and melt away the glass lining of the tank. It can drift into recirculating lines, jam open verify valves, and bring about the recirculating pump to stick until it burns out. Sediment construct-up on the bottom of gas water heaters encourages noisy operation. The noise is brought on by little amounts of water below the sediment layer turning into steam bubbles, which then collapse violently.
Note: Sediment create-up can decrease the energy efficiency of the heater and void the warranty on some Residential Water Heaters!
Tankless Water Heater Maintenance:
Flushing-Most tankless water heater suppliers propose flushing the complete unit every six months to 1 year depending upon the water top quality. Reference your manufactures recommendation for flushing. Water Heater replacement Brea CA removes any mineral deposits (commonly calcium or lime) that could have constructed up inside the boilers. Manufacturers propose making use of a utility pump to circulate three or four gallons of vinegar or another low-grade acid for 45 minutes to clean out any deposits.