Hot Water Heater Maintenance Tips

A thermal expansion tank will allow pressure to build up keeping it from.

Hot water heater maintenance tips.

Now fit a 1 1 16 inch. Put a hose to the tank s drain cock and let out a few gallons of water. Place a bucket under the pipe connected to. Since your water heater stores hot water 24 7 much of the heat can escape through the walls unless they are insulated.

How to maintain a water heater in three easy steps do a mini flush. Check the anode rod. Test the tpr valve. Shut off the power and the cold water supply valve.

Steps on how to maintain a hot water heater 1. Prevent rust and corrosion by removing sediment from the bottom of the tank a task that also improves. Drain about a quarter of the tanka few times a year to remove sediment and debris. This loss is called standby loss because it is heat lost while the heater is standing by for use.

Turn off the cold water supply hook up a garden hose to the drain valve then run into a bucket until the water is clear. The pressure relief valve can leak because of too much pressure in the tank. Finally periodically drain a bucket of water from the faucet at the bottom of the water heater to remove any sediment buildup. Every year open the pressure relief valve on top of the tank for a few seconds to be sure hot water comes out of the overflow pipe.

The temperature and pressure t p relief valve is a critical safety feature of your water heater. Always maintain 2 feet of clearancearound the appliance unless the manual specifically states otherwise. For more information see our article on water heater maintenance. Insulating your water heater can reduce standby heat loss by 25 50 which translates to savings of 4 9 on your bill.