Like so many other things in your home, the hot water tank benefits from some spring cleaning. Some of this cleaning you can do yourself, while other tasks can be left to your plumber. Here are some water heater spring cleaning tips.
Check the Outside
Checking the exterior of your hot water heater is the first stage in spring cleaning. Look for signs of rust, corrosion and leaks. Make sure to check the valves, the pipes and pipe connections. If the tank is in a place of low light, bring a flashlight so you can check it thoroughly.
Listen to the Tank
Besides checking the tank itself for signs of wear, listen for any weird noises. Banging might be a sign of sediment that’s come loose and is impacting the inner walls of the tank.
Make sure that the temperature and pressure relief valve is in good working order, and have it replaced if it’s not. The way to test the TPR valve is to lift the lever, let the water flow for a few seconds and then let it close. The valve needs to be replaced if no water comes out when you open it or if it leaks when it’s supposed to be closed.
Flush the Tank
Flushing the hot water heater helps remove sediment. Sediment makes it harder for the tank to heat the water to the right temperature. If it’s not removed, it can damage the heater to the point where it might rupture. To flush the heater, turn off the water supply and turn off the power at the circuit box. If it’s powered by gas, turn it to pilot mode. Then, take a few hours to let the water cool down to the point where it won’t scald you.
When the water’s cool enough, find the drain valve and attach it to a length of garden hose. Place the other end of the hose in a bucket, in the basement drain or outside. If the floor of your basement or crawlspace is just bare earth, the water can sink into the soil. Then, open the drain valve and empty the tank.
Check the Components
Checking the water heater’s components is also part of spring cleaning. You can do this yourself or have your plumber do it, since this involves opening up the tank. You’ll need to check the anode rod, and replace it if it’s badly corroded. You or your plumber should also check the heating element or the burners. Heating elements should be free of corrosion and sediment, and the burners in a gas or propane heater should be free of soot.
When all is well, turn on a hot water tap somewhere in your house, then turn on the water supply. Finally, turn the power back on to allow the tank to heat the water. If you have concerns or require water heater repair services, contact TNT in Savannah, GA.
