Here are some tips for maintaining your hot water heater:
PDM has been maintaining water heaters since the 1880’s. You can count on PDM for thorough, professional water heater maintenance advice.
8 hot water heater maintenance tips
Why drain, flush your water heater?
As water is heated, minerals are released from the (hard) water and left behind in the water heater tank. The rock-like sediment cause poor energy efficiency, shorter water heater life and less hot water. Annual flushing is a smart maintenance tip. Learn how to flush a gas water heater safely.
Temperature-pressure relief valve operation is critical for safe operation.
Test pressure buildup by lifting or depressing its handle and draining water from the overflow pipe once a year. If water doesn’t drain out, shut off water to the heater, open a hot water faucet somewhere in the house, replace valve. A defective pressure relief can cause the water heater to explode. Due to the scalding potential of the hot water, the outlet from the valve should be piped to a safe area. Typically they are piped down into a drain line.
Anode rod prevents water tank corrosion.
An anode rod is a major component of your water heater that runs down the center of your tank. It’s a steel wire with aluminum, aluminum/zinc alloy, or magnesium wrapped around it. These materials help prevent corrosion of the metal tank. Once the anode is gone the tank itself begins to corrode. To prolong the life of the tank, make sure your anode rod is still there, and replace it when needed. The anode is screwed into the top of the tank and can be replaced. Sometimes the anode is built into a special outlet fitting.
Gas burner.
You may need to clean you water heater gas burner. Dirt causes poor combustion, wastes up to 15% energy.
Ensure sufficient flue draft.
A flue, chimney, or vent brings exhaust gases from the water heater to the outdoors. Move toxic gasses upstream to make sure deadly carbon monoxide gas leave the building.
Water Temperature.
It doesn’t take long for hot water to cause serious burns. Be extra cautious with babies, young children and elderly. About 4,000 children are scalded by tap water every year, injuries that can leave permanent scars or cause death. PDM can help with anti-scalding valves to effectively mix hot and cold water to regulate temperature. For every 10°F you lower the temperature, you can save up to 5% on your hot water utility bills.
120°F – Can scald in over 2 minutes
125°F – 90 to 120 seconds to scald
130°F – up to 30 seconds
135°F – up to 10 seconds
140°F – Less than 5 seconds
145°F – Less than 3 seconds
150°F+ – About 1 second
Dip tube.
This is a long narrow tube that directs incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank. If a dip tube is broken, it may seem as though you run out very quickly, or you just get a luke warm temperature.
Check for leaks and clear flammable materials.
Inspect around the water heater monthly for any signs of leak. Keep flammable materials like cleaning chemicals, paint, gasoline, and other combustibles away from the water heater
.
Choose a Trusted Water Heater Maintenance Expert.
And if you need professional help call your neighbors at PDM. Anything not meeting local code will be noted along with a no-obligation quote for any needed water heater repairs. Call PDM Plumbers for water heater maintenance in Joliet, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Homer Glen, Lockport, New Lenox, Plainfield, IL area since 1885. Call [phone_link].
.
