In and around the Phoenix and Anthem, Arizona areas, there are many plumbing and mechanical service providers that offer hot water heater maintenance and installation. Many times the failure of your hot water heater can be prevented. How can you properly maintain your hot water heater and reduce the risk of it failing?
Check the Pressure Relief Valve
For proper hot water heater maintenance, it is vital that the pressure relief valve is working properly. When it is not working properly, it is not good for the hot water heater but is also a very serious safety concern. If this valve does not operate properly, the tank can overpressurize. This results in in a very serious safety concern as an overpressurized tank without a properly functioning pressure release valve can explode.
To see if the pressure reief valve is functioning properly, it will need to be tested. Both electric and gas water heaters have relief valves. To test it, first cut off the power supply, whether that is electric or gas. You’ll also need to shut off the cold water intake. Next, position a bucket to catch water that may come out. As you pull the lever on the valve, you should hear a burst of air or see some water and air rush out. If you don’t, you’ll need to drain the tank and replace the valve.
Flushing the tank to get rid of sediment buildup
Your water heater will build up sediment after use over time. The more sediment that gets built up, the less effetive your hot water heater will be. Sediment buildup can also clog your plumbing lines, causing other plumbing issues.
To flush your tank, you’ll need to diconnect the power source and turn off the cold water intake. Next, connect a hose to the drain of the tank. You’ll need to dispose of the scalding hot water in an area that won’t be hurt by it. Open the pressure relief valve and drain the tank so that it is totally empty. After it has drained, close the drain and pressure relief valve. To finish flushing out the tank, open all the sources for hot water such as sinks and showers. Next, turn on the cold water intake and let water come through all the faucets and showers. We also offer this service with our $99 filter change package, feel free to contact us or schedule your service online.
Should you repair or replace your hot water heater?
If you’ve been having issues with hot water heater maintenance, how can you decide whether you will repair or replace your hot water heater? If you have an older model, it may need replaced soon. Traditional hot water heaters usually only last about 10 years. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on repairs if your water heater is fairly old. When you start noticing that you are getting less hot water when you turn on the faucet or get in the shower, it means that your water heater is not as efficient as it used to be. When factoring in the cost of repairs, if the repair is going to be relatively expensive, or if repairs become more frequent, it would be better to replace it rather than spending more money on repairs.
Consider a tankless water heater
Traditional water heaters require more attention and maintenance. They also take up a lot of space and don’t last as long as tankless water heaters. Tankless water heaters produce hot water on demand so you never run out of hot water! They will make up for the intial cost of installation in energy savings and also will last 20 years or more. Learn about more of the benefits of tankless water heaters.
Do you have an issue with your hot water heater or need to schedule maintenance? Be sure and contact us for a free, no obligation estimate. You can also learn more about our tankless water heater systems. Wyman Plumbing & Mechanical offers plumbing services in Anthem, Arizona as well as in the Vistancia, Carefree, and Cave Creek areas around northern Phoenix.
