Water heater maintenance is one of the most important yet overlooked things home owners need to be aware of.
Whether residing in a fairly new or older dwelling, it is very important that you inspect the appliance at regular intervals and make sure that it is working properly.
If you are somewhat handy, you can do this yourself or hire someone to do this for you.
It can make a big difference in your energy bills.
You can substantially reduce your energy costs by following a few simple steps.
Water heating ordinarily accounts for about twenty percent of home energy costs, which is second only to general heating.
To minimize the cost of hot water, reduce the temperature of your hot water heater from the standard 140 degrees F to 120 degrees F.
This should be an adequate supply for your family's hot water needs and the cost will be significantly lower than if you heated it continuously to the higher temperature.
These appliances generally have a life expectancy of about 10 years.
Despite its relative longevity, hot water heater problems are one of the most common household complaints.
However, knowing the procedures for maintenance of this appliance can increase its longevity.
Just follow the basic safety precautions and tips given below.
Airflow to Combustion Area The first thing you should do when beginning your maintenance is to check that it is receiving sufficient airflow to the burner area.
Dimensions for air inlets are specified by local building and plumbing codes.
Also, make sure that there are no flammable materials or liquids near you're the appliance.
You should also visually inspect your pilot light and burner.
Your appliance's manual should include information about how a proper burning pattern should appear.
Gas Connections Another maintenance procedure will include checking on the gas connections leading into the heater.
It is important to ensure that the connections are not loose in order to prevent gas leaks, which can be very hazardous.
Venting System You should also inspect your venting system at regular intervals.
This venting is normally located at the top of the tank and includes the flue pipe and any fittings.
This should be done a few times a year at a minimum.
Loose or deteriorated connections require immediate attention.
This could include adjustment and/or replacement.
Repairs There are minor repairs that you can attempt for yourself if you know how to repair a water heating appliance.
Other problems should only be handled by a licensed professional plumber.
Some problems are rather inexpensive and some problems will require that a completely new water heater be installed.
It is important to know what you are looking for and what your capabilities are when attempting to deal with any hot water heater repair.
Many resources are available for this information starting with the appliance's user's guide.
Water heater maintenance is important for a continuous and lasting supply of hot water.
Unfortunately, very few people actually know that simple maintenance steps can help keep your appliance running efficiently.
This maintenance should be done at least on a yearly basis.
If you know your water has high sediment content you may want to drain and flush the storage tank every 6 months.
Minimal water heater maintenance will go a long way toward enhancing the longevity of your investment.
If you are overly concerned about any safety issues of your appliance, you can contact your local gas utility company, as most offer some type of appliance inspections.
Lastly, although most of the above procedures can be done by the average home owner, you can always seek the expertise of a qualified professional plumber.
Whether residing in a fairly new or older dwelling, it is very important that you inspect the appliance at regular intervals and make sure that it is working properly.
If you are somewhat handy, you can do this yourself or hire someone to do this for you.
It can make a big difference in your energy bills.
You can substantially reduce your energy costs by following a few simple steps.
Water heating ordinarily accounts for about twenty percent of home energy costs, which is second only to general heating.
To minimize the cost of hot water, reduce the temperature of your hot water heater from the standard 140 degrees F to 120 degrees F.
This should be an adequate supply for your family's hot water needs and the cost will be significantly lower than if you heated it continuously to the higher temperature.
These appliances generally have a life expectancy of about 10 years.
Despite its relative longevity, hot water heater problems are one of the most common household complaints.
However, knowing the procedures for maintenance of this appliance can increase its longevity.
Just follow the basic safety precautions and tips given below.
Airflow to Combustion Area The first thing you should do when beginning your maintenance is to check that it is receiving sufficient airflow to the burner area.
Dimensions for air inlets are specified by local building and plumbing codes.
Also, make sure that there are no flammable materials or liquids near you're the appliance.
You should also visually inspect your pilot light and burner.
Your appliance's manual should include information about how a proper burning pattern should appear.
Gas Connections Another maintenance procedure will include checking on the gas connections leading into the heater.
It is important to ensure that the connections are not loose in order to prevent gas leaks, which can be very hazardous.
Venting System You should also inspect your venting system at regular intervals.
This venting is normally located at the top of the tank and includes the flue pipe and any fittings.
This should be done a few times a year at a minimum.
Loose or deteriorated connections require immediate attention.
This could include adjustment and/or replacement.
Repairs There are minor repairs that you can attempt for yourself if you know how to repair a water heating appliance.
Other problems should only be handled by a licensed professional plumber.
Some problems are rather inexpensive and some problems will require that a completely new water heater be installed.
It is important to know what you are looking for and what your capabilities are when attempting to deal with any hot water heater repair.
Many resources are available for this information starting with the appliance's user's guide.
Water heater maintenance is important for a continuous and lasting supply of hot water.
Unfortunately, very few people actually know that simple maintenance steps can help keep your appliance running efficiently.
This maintenance should be done at least on a yearly basis.
If you know your water has high sediment content you may want to drain and flush the storage tank every 6 months.
Minimal water heater maintenance will go a long way toward enhancing the longevity of your investment.
If you are overly concerned about any safety issues of your appliance, you can contact your local gas utility company, as most offer some type of appliance inspections.
Lastly, although most of the above procedures can be done by the average home owner, you can always seek the expertise of a qualified professional plumber.