Hot water heaters have become the best convenience in a lot of modern homes. Starting from taking a shower, doing your daily laundry, cleaning your dishes, hot running water gives you an easy time as you take care of your daily tasks. With all these benefits, some people might take this appliance for granted.
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Despite the fact that this appliance is made for durability and functionality, you can make some adjustments such as adjusting the temperatures and other settings. An issue comes in when your hot water heater stops functioning at all or you have a hot water system leaking water, if such an issue arises, ensure you reach out to our plumber and get the services you need.
This is when you will realize how crucial it is to some of the main things about your hot water heater. If you have had such a problem, here are some of the things you should consider and make an effort of learning about them before purchasing your hot water heater.
1. Inspect the expansion tank
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The expansion tank is normally a 2.5 gallon that is located next to the hot water heater. It is also one of the safety devices for your plumbing system. Did you know that your plumbing system is a closed system? This means that water moves only in one direction and when your water expands, it must go somewhere hence the use of the expansion tank.
The tank is made up of a rubber bladder that takes in the extra water. Once the temperature decreases, the water flows back to the heater. An issue can arise when this rubber bladder ruptures leading to the tank being useless. This is as a result of the water pressurizing with the water instead of pressurizing with the air. If you decide to replace your hot water system, also ensure you replace it as well.
2. Inspect the anode rod
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The anode rod is also known as the sacrificial anode rod. It is an aluminium rod that is usually located inside your tank. It can also be a magnesium rod. Its purpose is to protect your tank from rusting or even from corrosion. You won’t be shocked to realize that a lot of homeowners have never heard of an anode rod. Also, you will realize that even plumbers do not know how they function or even what they do.
The anode rod should be inspected regularly mostly when performing a hot water flush. If you are performing an inspection you should ensure that the rod is not intact since the damage that might be caused to your tank might be very great and replacing the heater may be the only option. A good anode rod is known to extend the life of your metal tank.
3. Flush the tank
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Heated water creates some sediments or even scales that collect at the bottom of the metal tank. This is a con because it decreases your heater’s efficiency, accelerates the tank’s damage and also causes a flush of the sediments.
- Accelerates damage to the tank.
Building up of the sediment at the bottom of your tank becomes an insulator. This is a problem since it causes a longer time for your burner which then causes the tank to overheat at the bottom of the tank.
Too much heat causes the tank to even rupture at a faster rate than normal.
- Flushes the sediment.
The sediments that build up at the bottom of the tank clogs the aerators and the supply lines leading to the contamination of your water in your home.
- Decreases your heaters efficiency.
There are electric and gas heaters whereby the electric heaters have elements at the lower part of the tank whereas gas heaters have burners at the bottom part of the tank. The metal tank also has sediments that function as an insulator.
Such a process takes a lot of time to heat properly hence consuming a lot of money. The extra time taken also creates some failure in the parts of the heater.
4. Testing the temperature and the pressure relief valve
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The relief valve also acts as a safety device that is located at the top of the tank or even at the side of the tank. It functions in such a way that the water pressure is kept safe at a good operating level. Always note that if the tank’s temperature is not inspected regularly, it can explode giving you a cost of buying a new one.
Conclusion
From the information above, it is evident that taking care of your hot water system is the same as servicing your car. It can also be so confusing and challenging for an average homeowner. Contact a high qualified plumber who will help you flush and inspect your plumbing system.
