Sunday, August 25, 2013

When To Replace A Hot Water Heater

By Brian Winters


Perform regular maintenance to protect your tank from malfunctioning too soon. Units that have undergone frequent maintenance are more likely to malfunction in the long run due to wear and tear. Plan ahead and look for a replacement unit even right before your heater breaks down.

Prevent accidents from happening by turning off the heating source of the unit prior to carrying out repairs. This is important since a water heater can be a dangerous heating device if not handled properly. Shut down the cold water valve to stop water from entering the tank.

Draining the tank helps you inspect it thoroughly. Once the power or gas has been switched off, attach a standard hose to the drain valve. Open the valve and let the water run out until the tank is empty. Be careful of scalding water as it can burn your skin in an instant. Experts recommend turning off the night before draining it.

If you want to remove the sediments sitting at the bottom of the tank, you can flush them out by turning the cold water valve on. Make sure to remove the hose and replace it with a bucket right below the drain valve. Wait until the water runs clear before refilling the tank and switching it on.

If the sediments get too heavy for the tank to handle, you may have to replace your water heater to avoid having rusty-colored water running in your hot water pipes. Do not wait until your water smells bad before taking action.

A water heater should have an anode rod installed in it to keep it from rusting completely. This rod acts like a magnet that absorbs all charged water molecules inside, preventing holes from appearing. Check this from time to time to keep it in tip-top condition. Once it measures less than of an inch, replace it immediately. Hire a specialist for proper anode rod installation.

Check your thermostat settings if your unit keeps on having varying temperatures. Experts recommend setting it between 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the tank from overheating. Remember that excessive temperature can cause the tank to rust or explode unexpectedly. At times like this, you have no choice but to buy a water heater replacement.

To save money, have your old unit checked by a specialist to see if the damage is beyond repair. If so, start looking for a replacement water heater to continue having access to hot water for your convenience. Do not buy a unit haphazardly and choose a heater that will meet your hot water needs.




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