Regular inspection and maintenance of your hot water heater is often over-looked completely or continually put off for another day in most DIY home maintenance plans. Water heaters are typically designed to last for 8-12 years but if you inspect your water heater annually you can prolong its life. Your water heater is one of the most important features within your home as it supplies hot water to your shower, sinks, washing machine and dish washer etc. Other than your HVAC system, your water heater uses more energy than any other piece of equipment in your home.
The professional and knowledgeable service technicians at Absolute Plumbing, Inc have provided the following tips to DIY inspections of your water heater.
Before you begin your inspection make sure you have the following essentials at hand which should include:
• Bucket
• Hose
• Gloves
• Goggles
• Protective clothing to protect you from burns.
Other things to be aware of before beginning your inspection include:
• Know where your temperature/pressure valve is located
• Know where your cold water inlet is located
• Know where the electric or gas shut off is located
The Basics: Visually Inspecting your Water Heater
• It may seem obvious but the first thing you should look for are any leaks. If your water heater is raised, check the drip pan under the heater for water deposits. If your water heater is sitting directly on the floor, look around the heater for any standing water or sediment.
• Look for leaks, corrosion or obstructions of any kind around the temperature/pressure relief values.
• Check the pipes leading in and out of the water heater for any leaks, rust or corrosion
• If your water heater is electric – check the heating element.
• If your water heater is gas – check the venting system for damage or obstructions. Your pilot light is an indicator for how well your water heater is functioning. A weak, split or fully yellow flame indicates that your pilot light needs to be repaired or adjusted.
• Listen for noises such as crackling or whistling which could indicate a problem.
Safety First
• Turn off the power source that is connected to your water heater before you start
• Check the Anode Rod – The anode rod is basically your water heaters defense against corrosion and rust. For areas with hard water, the skilled technicians at Absolute Plumbing Inc recommend checking your anode rod on a regular basis. The condition of your anode rod is a good indicator that your tank has corrosion inside.
• Drain and flush the tank – Sediment can collect in the bottom of the tank which can dramatically shorten the life of your water heater.
• Inspect the temperature/relief valve – if the temperature relief value discharges boiling water or steam, immediately contact the professionals at Absolute Plumbing Inc as boiling water or steam is a safely issue and needs to be taken care of by an experienced plumber
Four easy steps to success
1. Make sure that your electricity or gas is shut off
2. Shut off the cold water inlet
3. Position your bucket to catch water run off
4. Pull the trip lever on the valve, you will hear a hissing noise as the air escapes or you may see some water vapor, both of which are normal. If neither happens, then the valve may need to be replaced.
Professional Hot Water Heater Installation, Upgrade to Tankless, Replacement, Inspection, Troubleshooting, Diagnosis, Emergency Repairs & Preventive Maintenance Service in Las Vegas, Summerlin, North Las Vegas & Henderson Nevada
If you are unsure about inspecting your water heater yourself, contact the experienced plumbers and service technicians at Absolute Plumbing Inc, we would be happy to offer guidance and advice, or we will come and inspect your water heater for you. We also offer water heater repair and we can install a new water heater if you are interested in upgrading.
