Hot Water Systems

Something about new home building

Month: June 2023

Water Heater Maintenance 101: Extend the Lifespan of Your UnitWater Heater Maintenance 101: Extend the Lifespan of Your Unit

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Water heaters are workhorses in our homes, dutifully supplying hot water for showers, dishwashing, laundry, and more. Over time, however, this constant usage can take its toll. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your water heater’s longevity and optimal performance. By following simple tasks such as flushing the tank, inspecting pressure valves, checking for leaks, and cleaning sediment buildup, you can save money on costly repairs and enjoy hot water whenever needed.

Why Maintenance Matters

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of maintenance, it’s important to understand why it matters. A well-maintained water heater operates more efficiently, uses less energy, lasts longer, and reduces the risk of inconvenient and potentially damaging leaks. Maintenance is a form of prevention; it’s a small investment of time and energy that pays off by preventing major issues and prolonging the life of your heater.

Water Heater Maintenance

Regular Flushing of the Tank

One of the most crucial steps in maintaining a water heater is to flush the tank regularly. Over time, minerals in your water can build up inside the tank, causing corrosion and reducing the unit’s efficiency. Flushing the tank is a relatively straightforward process that can make a significant difference in the performance of your heater.

To flush your tank:

  1. Start by turning off the power to the heater and closing the water supply valve.
  2. Attach a hose to the drain valve, ensuring the other end is directed towards a suitable drainage point.
  3. Open the drain valve and let the water flow until it runs clear, indicating that most sediment has been flushed out.
  4. Once done, close the drain valve, open the water supply, and turn the power back on.

Inspecting Pressure Relief Valves

The pressure relief valve is a critical safeguard in your water heater, designed to discharge surplus pressure from the tank. Malfunction of this component can result in a hazardous over-pressurization situation. To examine its performance, cautiously lift the valve’s lever and then allow it to snap back into place. The expected reaction is a distinct gurgling noise, indicating water being released into the drain pipe. Absence of this sound, or if water discharge persists after the lever is released, are red flags suggesting the valve is likely due for a replacement.

Checking for Leaks

Leaks are not just a nuisance but can indicate serious issues with your water heater. Check for signs of leaks regularly, such as pooling water around the base of the heater, dampness or rust on the tank, or an unusual increase in your water bill. If you find any leaks, you must call a professional immediately to prevent further damage.

Cleaning Sediment Buildup

Even with regular flushing, some sediment may still build up over time. This can reduce the efficiency of your heater and even cause damage. A clear sign of sediment buildup is a rumbling or banging sound when the heater is on. To clean the sediment, you may need to drain the tank completely and use a long, flexible brush to scrub the bottom. This task is quite involved and may require professional help, especially if you need to be more comfortable working with water heaters.

General Tips and Tricks

In addition to the above steps, a few general maintenance tips can keep your water heater in top shape. Keep the area around your water heater clear of debris and flammable materials. This can help prevent accidental fires and improve the efficiency of the unit.

Water Heater Maintenance

Regularly test the water temperature to ensure it’s not too high. A temperature of around 120-130°F is generally recommended. A higher temperature increases the risk of scalding and can cause excess wear and tear on the unit.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining a water heater is an essential part of homeownership. By taking the time to flush the tank, inspect the pressure relief valves, check for leaks, and clean sediment buildup, you can extend the life of your unit and enjoy hot water without interruption. While these tasks require time and effort, they are undoubtedly less costly and inconvenient than dealing with a broken water heater. Here’s to many more years of hot showers and clean dishes!…

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Common Hot Water Plumbing Problems and How to Solve ThemCommon Hot Water Plumbing Problems and How to Solve Them

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Hot water is indispensable in our daily lives, from enjoying a hot shower to washing dishes. However, hot water plumbing systems aren’t immune to problems that can disrupt our routines. 

This blog post will identify common hot water plumbing problems, explain their causes, and guide you on how to solve them. We’ll also discuss when to call in a professional plumber and preventative maintenance steps to prolong the lifespan of your system.

Water Heater Leaks

Leakage is a common issue that plagues many hot water systems. The causes can range from a loose drain valve, excess pressure buildup in the tank due to faulty temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve) to tank corrosion.

Hot Water Plumbing Problems

Solution: First, identify the leak source. If it’s the drain valve, tighten it. But don’t overdo it, as too much pressure could cause breakage. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the valve.

If it’s a faulty T&P valve or a corroded tank, these are more complex issues that a professional plumber should address. If you are in Queensland, we recommend proplumberbrisbane.com.

It’s worth noting that if your water heater tank is corroded, replacing the entire unit’s usually more cost-effective than repairing it.

Inadequate Hot Water Supply

There’s nothing more disappointing than a shower turning cold halfway through. This problem could be due to an undersized water heater, a faulty thermostat, or sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank.

Solution: If the issue is an undersized water heater, you may need to upgrade to a unit with a larger capacity. For a faulty thermostat, try adjusting it to a higher setting (between 120 – 140 degrees Fahrenheit is generally safe and efficient). If there’s no improvement, consider replacing the thermostat.

Sediment buildup can be addressed by flushing the water heater tank, a maintenance task we’ll discuss later in this post.

Strange Noises

Your water heater might sometimes produce unusual sounds – popping, cracking, or rumbling. Such noises are commonly caused by sediment accumulation within the tank, which leads to water boiling and the formation of steam bubbles that subsequently pop.

Solution: The most effective method to resolve this issue involves draining and flushing your water heater to eliminate the sediment. This task can be carried out by you personally, however, if you feel uneasy about it, you can enlist the assistance of a plumber.

Foul Odours

If your hot water smells bad, it could be due to bacteria growth in the water heater tank. This usually happens when the water heater is set at a low temperature (below 120 degrees Fahrenheit) for a long period, allowing bacteria to thrive.

Solution:

  1. Increase the temperature to above 60C for a few hours to kill the bacteria.
  2. Follow this by flushing your water heater.
  3. Be cautious with the high-temperature setting to prevent scalding.

Regularly flushing your hot water system is a must for preventative maintenance. Over time, minerals and sediments from the water can accumulate at the bottom of your tank. Regular flushing helps remove these deposits, improving the efficiency and lifespan of your heater. You can undertake this task every six months to a year, depending on the hardness of your water.

Hot Water Plumbing Problems

Descaling is another maintenance procedure beneficial for those living in areas with hard water. Mineral deposits can accumulate inside the pipes, reducing water flow and efficiency. Descaling involves using a descaling solution to dissolve these mineral deposits.

Remember, regular maintenance is key to preventing most hot water plumbing problems. Nonetheless, when confronted with complicated problems or if uncertainty prevails, it’s always advisable to reach out to a professional plumber. With their training and experience, they can accurately diagnose and rectify the issue, saving you time and potential additional costs from errors.…

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