A Quick Guide to Water Heater Maintenance - Who Should Do It?

 

 

 

Water heater maintenance procedures:

For a heater to operate efficiently, proper water heater maintenance procedures must be followed. Dirt, sediment, and minerals from the water settle to the bottom of the water tank as water is added. These additives can accumulate over time, causing the heater to lose efficiency by making the heater work harder. They also cause the tank to corrode resulting in a leak in the tank wall. This can all be prevented if the tank is drained and flushed yearly. For steps in taking care of the water heater follow the procedure below:

1. Turn off the gas or electric supply

2. Shut off water

Shut off the water at the water supply line located at the top of the tank.

3. Open Pressure Relief valve, water heater maintenance

The pressure relief valve is located at the top of the tank. Raise the valve lever until it is perpendicular to the tank(straight up and down)

4. Drain Tank

Attach a garden hose to the drain valve located at the bottom of the tank. Place the opposite end of the hose over a drain or outdoors. Open the valve and allow all the water to drain from the tank.

5. Remove hose

Remove the hose and place a bucket under the drain valve to catch the water as the tank is being flushed.

6. Flush out tank

This is the most important step in water heater maintenance. Turn on the water at the supply line and allow a couple of gallons of water to drain from the tank. If the water does not become clear before the bucket being filled, repeat the procedure until the water becomes clear.
7. Shut off the drain valve and remove the hose

8. Close the Pressure Relief Valve

9. Refill the tank sink faucet, water heater maintenance

Before refilling the tank, open a hot water tap at a sink closest to the water heater. This will allow air to release from the tank and water to enter more rapidly. Open the water supply line and allow the water to run until it releases out of the tap and runs clear without a mixture of air. The tank is now filled.

10. Shut off the water tap

11. Turn on electric power or gas

This is the final step in water heater maintenance.