Your water heater is likely the most critical part of your residences plumbing technique. A properly maintained heater can final from ten to fifteen years or a lot more. But, a heater not correctly maintained can fail in four to six years. tankless water heater Riverside CA of the drinking water in your region and the place of the heater in your dwelling are out of your control, but suitable upkeep of the heater and your plumbing program is vital to heater longevity and safety.
This short article offers you a list of products to check for both tank type and tankless water heaters. As you go by way of the actions in checking your heater, if you have the slightest doubt in your capability, get a expert, licensed plumber involved! You are dealing with hot water, natural gas, and electricity!
Tank Variety Water Heater Upkeep:
Vent (Gas Water Heaters Only)
The vent should really be the very same diameter as the draft diverter on the heater tank.
The vent must go commonly “up and out” the ceiling.
Exactly where is passes by means of the exterior wall, the vent should be double-walled.
Vent sections should be screwed together with a minimum three screws per section.
Note: Terrible vent pipe connections can fall apart and lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, the silent and deadly gas!
Temperature & Stress Relief Valve (T&P Valve)The T&P valve is developed to prevent the heater from exploding if the water stress or temperature exceeds safe limits.
Pull up the handle on the valve and water must flow out and quit when you let go of the deal with.
The T&P valve has a drain line that should go down to about six” from the floor or be plumbed outdoors your residence.
Note: Water leaking out of a T&P drain line can signal a bad T&P valve, high water pressure, or a malfunctioning thermal expansion device.
Water Stress (All Water Heaters)
Water pressure over 80 pounds per square inch (psi) can damage heaters and your piping. It can also damage plumbing appliances, toilets, and your fixtures.
Note: 1 giveaway that your have higher water pressure is when the T&P Valve on the heater begins opening and closing.
Outer Water Heater Metal Shell & Plumbing Fittings
Inspect the heater outer sheet metal shell for leaks or rusting.
Inspect the plumbing fittings on the heater for corrosion, rust, or water spotting.
Note: Rusty fittings or discolored shell is a telltale sign that a leak is present!
Temperature Manage
Inspect the heater temperature handle dial to insure its set at the right water temperature.
The best water temperature is 120° Fahrenheit.
Note: Anything above 120° Fahrenheit significantly increases scalding risk, power use, and sediment develop-up in the bottom of the heater!
Combustion Chamber (Gas Water Heaters)
Turn the gas valve control to “pilot position”.
Take away the outer access hatch or cover on the side of the heater.
Inspect the roof of the chamber for heavy rusting, water marking, or pitting.
Return the gas valve manage back to the “on position”.
Note: Black soot in the combustion chamber suggests drafting troubles, combustion difficulties, fume issues, and a fire hazard!
Pedestal Base (Gas Water Heaters)
Make certain the pedestal base the heater rests on is stable and supports the unit.
The typical pedestal will maintain the bottom of the heater at least 18″ off the floor.
Note: A newer water heater might have a “filtered combustion chamber” that is supposed to resolve the require for a pedestal. Check the owner’s manual for your heater.
Drain Valve
Open the drain valve to insure that mineral sediment, anode sludge, or rust has not clogged your heaters drain.
Drain Overflow Pan
If your heater is on the 2nd floor above living space it must have a drain pan.
The drain pan must be plumbed to the outdoors of your home.
Inspect the situation of the drain pan, fittings, and piping to the outside.
Corrosive Fumes (Gas Water Heaters & Tankless Water Heaters)
Water heaters draw air in for combustion and the good quality of the air is crucial.
Corrosive liquids, ammonia, or acids stored near a heater can lead to corrosive air.
Note: Corrosive air drawn into the burner can prematurely corrode the heater.
Internal Tank Corrosion and Rust-The internal tank of your heater is constructed of steel and glass lined to prevent rust. Sacrificial anode rods are installed in the tank to defend the glass lined internal steel tank from rust. Aluminum/Zinc or magnesium anode rods corrode over time and get made use of up through an electrolytic procedure.
Note: Replacing the anode rod can extend the life of the heater but, really should be performed by a educated, skilled service technician.
Sediment Create-up-Sediment is created when challenging water is heated. The develop-up of sediment in the bottom of the tank can trigger the bottom to overheat and melt away the glass lining of the tank. It can drift into recirculating lines, jam open verify valves, and bring about the recirculating pump to stick till it burns out. Sediment develop-up on the bottom of gas water heaters encourages noisy operation. The noise is caused by tiny amounts of water below the sediment layer turning into steam bubbles, which then collapse violently.
Note: Sediment create-up can minimize the energy efficiency of the heater and void the warranty on some Residential Water Heaters!
Tankless Water Heater Upkeep:
Flushing-Most tankless water heater manufacturers advise flushing the whole unit just about every 6 months to 1 year depending upon the water top quality. Reference your manufactures recommendation for flushing. Flushing the unit often removes any mineral deposits (ordinarily calcium or lime) that may have built up inside the boilers. Makers recommend working with a utility pump to circulate 3 or 4 gallons of vinegar or yet another low-grade acid for 45 minutes to clean out any deposits.