Water Heaters

Maintaining your Water Heater

Storage tank water heaters are the type of appliance that can hum along for years. Once installed, they don't need constant attention. However, they do require maintenance to keep them running at peak efficiency. These are mostly simple tasks that you can do yourself, but you can also hire a pro to perform regular maintenance for you. Here are some tips on how you can keep your water heater working proficiently, and how often it will need maintenance. Be sure to review the owner's manual that came with your water heater. It usually spells out necessary maintenance tasks, as well as other important information, such as safety precautions and size specifications. When in doubt, refer to the manual. If you can't find the manual, check the manufacturer's website for instructions on obtaining a copy. Consult a professional before attempting any maintenance tasks, and make sure that the water line and the power to the water heater are safely shut off before beginning. Ongoing Maintenance Keep the area around the water heater free of clutter. Gas heaters have vents at the bottom that must be kept clear to aid in the heating element combustion. Never store anything with flammable vapors, such as gasoline or paint thinner, near a gas water heater. Providing a clear space around the appliance makes it easy to get to the water shutoff in an emergency. It also gives repairmen room to work on the heater, should a service call be necessary. Three to Four Times a Year Drain some of the tank's water to remove the sediment that collects on the bottom of the tank. All incoming water contains sediment that, over time, can hinder the performance of your water heater. The amount you need to drain will depend on the condition of the water. Shut off the power. For electric heaters, shut the unit down completely. For gas heaters, move the control dial to "pilot". Turn off the cold water supply to the tank. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the tank, and then run the hose to a drain. Open a hot water faucet in a nearby sink and leave it open. Open the water heater's drain valve. Caution: Be careful. The water will be very hot. Drain the tank until the water runs clear. This may take a few minutes or longer. Once the water is clear, close the drain valve and turn on the water supply. You'll know the tank is full when water is flowing through the faucet you left open earlier. When the tank is full, turn the power back on. . The frequency of this procedure will depend on the condition of your water. If the water is perfectly clear from the start, you probably don't need to drain your tank often. If the water is very dirty, you may need to drain it more frequently.