Your water heater is one rather used and more appliances in your home, and consumes a large portion of your energy dollars each month. And experts say regular care and maintenance is essential to protecting your investment and saving around the home heating and costs.
Regular flushing of one’s water heater has become single most important step you can take to prolong its service life and to save energy. Over a period of time, sediments build up in the bottom of your water heater. These sediments act as a barrier between the flame and the tank, thereby making your heater burn longer and hotter. Partly destructive to the tank, but highly inefficient and will significantly raise your heating costs.
In most areas of the country, the average water heater lasts 3-5 years. Regularly flushing your water heater can double lifestyle of your hot water heater from 3-5 to 7-10 years. Device costs of replacement running from $700 to over $1200 in some cases, getting the most out of your heater is critical in today’s markets. In addition, regular flushing makes your water heater run more efficiently and can cut heating costs in half. Depending on the volume of warm water your home uses, that can mean a savings of $20 to over $50 a month or so.
To drain your water heater, you can find should set the thermostat to pilot (if it is a gas water heater) or turn the circuit breaker off (if it is definitely an electric heater). Failure to do so could result in overheating and severe damage to water heater. Next, close the water supply valve located on the water inlet line going into your water heater. You may then connect a hose to the drain valve located at the bottom of the heater. Open the drain and allow it to function until all on the water has emptied from the hot water heater. Then close the drain. Open the water supply valve and refill the heater tank. You should also open a hot water faucet somewhere at home and stand there and watch it run for several minutes until drinking water flows out gradually. This will allow air to vent because of the heater and the water lines. Finally, you can turn the thermostat back to its regular setting (for a gas heater), or turn the circuit breakers back on (for an electric heater).
Besides regularly flushing your water heater, plumbing experts also advise adding a water treatment system to your residence to filter or condition the water so it is less corrosive to your plumbing system, particularly in areas which have hard water. For more ways to care for and protect your home plumbing system, contact a licensed, professional plumbing contractor in region to discuss options and products to provide what you need.
Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical
The Woodlands, TX
(281) 528-1610