Your water heater is one that is used and higher priced appliances in your home, and consumes a large portion of your energy dollars each month. And experts say regular care and maintenance is essential to protecting your investment and saving on your home heating and energy costs.
Regular flushing of your water heater are probably the single most important step you get to prolong its service life in addition, it save energy. In a period of time, sediments build up in the bottom of your hot water heater. These sediments act as a barrier between the flame and the tank, thereby making your heater burn longer and hotter. This is not only destructive to the tank, but highly inefficient and will significantly raise your heating costs.
In most areas of the country, the typical water heater lasts 3-5 years. Regularly flushing your water heater can double living of your water heater from 3-5 to 7-10 years. Something else costs of replacement running from $700 to over $1200 in some cases, getting the most out of your heater is a must in today’s economy. In addition, regular flushing makes your water heater run more efficiently and can cut heating costs in half. Depending on the volume of hot water your home uses, that can mean a savings of $20 to over $50 a week.
To drain your water heater, initially you should set the thermostat to pilot (if it is a gas water heater) or turn the circuit breaker off (if it is definitely an electric heater). Failure to do so could result in overheating and severe damage to drinking water heater. Next, close the water supply valve located in the water inlet line going into your water heater. You may then connect a hose to the drain valve located in the bottoom of the space heater. Open the drain and allow it to function until all of the water has emptied from the air conditioner. Then close the drain. Open the water supply valve and refill the central heater. You should also open a hot water faucet somewhere indoors and stand there and watch it run for several minutes until drinking water flows out quickly. This will allow air to vent from the heater and the hot water lines. Finally, you can turn the thermostat to its regular setting (for a gas heater), or turn the circuit breakers back on (for an electric heater).
Besides regularly flushing your water heater, plumbing experts also advise adding a water treatment system to your property to filter or condition the water so may be less corrosive to your plumbing system, particularly in areas possess hard stream. For more ways to care for and protect your home plumbing system, contact a licensed, professional plumbing contractor in location to discuss options and merchandise to suit your needs.
Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical
The Woodlands, TX
(281) 528-1610