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Water Heater Maintenance
Knock, Knock. Who's There?
Most problems with water heaters are announced by noises or by water
that's either too hot – or not hot enough. Often you can correct the problem
yourself. A possible exception is a water leak, which may require professional
service or tank replacement. Gas leaks call for immediate help from the
utility company.
How a Water Heater Works
Whenever someone turns on a hot water faucet, heated water is drawn from
the top of the tank and is replaced by cold water that is carried to the
bottom through the dip tube. When the water temperature drops, a thermostat
activates the heat source, which is comprised of a burner in a gas model
and two heating elements in an electric model.
A gas heater has a flue running up the center and out the top to vent
deadly gasses. An electric heater needs no venting. In both, an anti-corrosion
anode attracts corrosion that would otherwise attack the tank's walls.
Maintenance for Good, Safe Service
Caution: Before manually operating the relief valve, make certain no
one will come into contact with the hot water released by this valve.
The water may be hot enough to create a SCALD hazard. The water released
should be directed to a suitable drain to prevent injury or damage.
To proceed:
- Open the drain valve at the bottom about every six months, letting
the water run into a bucket until it looks clear (usually about five
gallons). This will prevent sediment accumulation.
- Annually test the temperature-pressure relief valve. Lift or depress
the lever and drain water from the overflow pipe. If water doesn't drain
out, shut off water to the heater, open a hot water faucet somewhere
in the house, and replace the valve.
Water Heater Safety Tips
If steam or boiling water ever comes out of the valve or the hot water
faucets, shut the heater off at once. If you ever hear a rumbling sound,
assume the heater is overheating and turn it off.
Water Temperature
If temperature is a problem on a gas heater, check to see that the temperature
control is on and is set correctly. If you suspect a faulty control, test it by opening
a hot water faucet for three minutes. If the heater doesn't turn on, reset
the control to a lower temperature and test again. If it still fails,
have it replaced.
Draining and Flushing the Tank
- Turn off the gas or electricity.
- Close the cold water valve.
- Attach a hose to the drain valve, to route water into a floor drain
or outdoors.
- Open (counter-clockwise) the drain valve and open one hot water faucet
somewhere in the house to let in air. When all water has drained, turn
the cold water valve on until the water from the drain looks clear.
- Close the drain valve.
- With the hot water faucet open, turn on the cold water valve and begin
filling water heater.
- When there is a steady stream of water at the hot water faucet, the
tank is full.
- Once the tank is full, restore power.
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