6 Water Heater Tips to Keep You in Hot Water
3 pros!
Learn how to improve your water heater’s efficiency and perhaps even lower your utility bills.
There are a few ways to help prolong the life of your water heater and keep it in top working order. Following these six tips each year may help you to have longer tank life expectancy, lower energy bills and minimize damage as a result of water leakage.
1. Know where your water heater is located
Not only should you know where the water heater is, you should have clear access to it, as sometimes it's tucked away in an attic or basement and the plumbing is not easy to reach.
2. Know what type of water heater you have
You should know whether your water heater is natural gas, electric or propane, or whether it’s a storage tank type or a tankless type water heater. Also, write down the model number and serial number of your water heater or at least know where this information is on the tank as it has the age and gallon capacity coded into it. This is important for warranty purposes and usually one of the first questions a plumber or water heater repair company will ask.
3. Know how to turn off the water
It’s a good idea, before you’re facing a water heater dilemma, to know how to shut off the water and the fuel or power supply to the water heater. This is important in the event of an emergency or if your water heater is leaking or you smell gas. There should be a gas valve or a disconnect switch within a few feet of the water heater. It's also a good idea to know where your main gas shut-off valve is or which breaker is used for the water heater.
As for the water shut-off, most shut-off valves are located above the water heater on the cold side piping. You also should locate your water shut-off valve coming into your home. If you need any special tools to turn any of the valves off or to open the breaker box, keep those nearby and in clear sight. This will make all the difference when you have water leaking all over or if you smell gas and time is of the essence.
4. Clear the area around your water heater
There are several reasons why it's a good idea to give your water heater some space.
• A gas-fired unit needs a good supply of oxygen to burn the gas. If a water heater is smothered and can’t get enough oxygen, it can affect the efficiency of the unit as well as cause damage to the burner chamber and other water heater parts. It can even cause carbon monoxide leaks.
• If the unit starts to leak, you may not catch it as soon if the area is hidden from view. This has the potential to cause severe water damage and even waste energy as the water heater has to reheat the water more often.
• Storing items too close to the water heater can be a fire hazard.
5. Drain or flush your water heater
At least once a year, drain a few gallons out of your water heater using the drain valve. Use either a 5-gallon bucket or a garden hose and run it to a place where the hot water will not cause damage. (Do not drain it to your landscaping or lawn, as hot water may kill the grass.)
If you notice a lot of sediment or debris, then a full flush is recommended. This is where you turn the temperature down and then completely drain the tank. You then turn the water back on while the drain is open and let the water flow for a minute or so to help remove any lingering sediment or debris.
Once that is done and the tank has been refilled, turn the thermostat back to the desired setting.
6. Complete an annual water heater inspection
Start with the top of your water heater and check for any leaks or heavy corrosion on the pipes and valves. For gas water heaters, check the draft hood and make sure it is placed properly, with a few inches of air space between the tank and where it connects to the vent. Look for any corrosion or wear on the gas line and on the piping. Check the thermostat and the area below the thermostat, where the gas chamber is located.
If you noticed any black residue, soot or charred metal, this is a sign you may be having combustion issues and you should have the unit serviced by a professional. If you ever smell gas, turn off the gas supply and contact a professional. For electric water heaters, look for any signs of leaking such as rust streaks or residue around the upper and lower panels covering the electrical components on the tank.
About this Experts Contributor: Yana Carpenter works for Water Heaters Only, Inc, which has been in business for over 46 years and specializes in repairs, replacements and installations of water heaters in Santee, California. You can follow this contributor on Twitter and Google+.
As of October 10, 2014, this service provider was highly rated on Angie's List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check Angie's List for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie's List.