Is water heater maintenance necessary?
Maintaining your gas water heater can help to keep your water heater functioning properly. And maintenance can help you avoid a high gas bill. Water heater maintenance should be a must-know for anyone who owns a natural gas water heater. After all, if maintained properly, the energy this appliance conserves in your home is well worth it.
How do you service a hot water heater?
With a screwdriver and a bucket, a homeowner can usually complete servicing the water heater on their own. Before you start, turn off the power (for electric water heaters) or the gas supply (for gas heaters) for safety: Electric: Switch off the circuit breaker for the water heater in your home's service panel (breaker box).
How often should you flush your water heater’s sediment?
That’s why flushing annually may improve a gas water heater’s lifespan. And it’s a very important part of water heater maintenance. Annual sediment flushing should be enough to ensure a gas water heater is able to do its job efficiently. Unfortunately, if left unfixed for too long, the heater could break down.
How long does a gas water heater last?
Most gas water heaters will last 12 to 15 years before they need replacement. Here are some simple water heater maintenance items that can help prolong the life of your gas water heater. (These same tips apply to electric water heaters.)
How do I Perform Water Heater Maintenance?
Why is my water heater not working?
How Does a Gas Water Heater Work?
How Can I Tell if My Water Heater Has Sediment?
Why flush a water heater?
What happens when you open a faucet to get hot water?
What is the thermostat on a water heater?
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How often should a gas water heater be serviced?
Experts generally recommend that your water heater be drained and flushed at least once a year to remove the buildup. This helps ensure you're receiving the greatest supply of hot water your tank water heater can deliver to your home.
Do hot water heaters need regular maintenance?
However, it's recommended they be serviced once a year. Electric vs. gas water heater maintenance: Both electric water heaters and gas water heaters can be maintained in similar ways. Both types of water heaters should be flushed regularly to prevent a build-up of rust and corrosion.
What is the average lifespan of a gas hot water heater?
While the typical water heater has a lifespan of about 10 years, careful consideration of the factors that pertain to its lifespan can provide the InterNACHI home inspector and the homeowner with information about the potential costs that would be incurred by replacing the water heater.
Do gas water heaters need a flush?
It is recommended that you flush your water heater at least once per year. Doing so will help to prevent the potential problems that sediment can bring over time.
How do you maintain a gas water heater?
0:424:49How To Flush & Drain a Hot Water Heater | Maintenance Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo right now what's going on in here is a lot of hot water a lot of high temperatures a lot of highMoreSo right now what's going on in here is a lot of hot water a lot of high temperatures a lot of high pressure. If it gets too high this valve will release. So it doesn't damage your tank.
What happens if you don't flush your water heater?
If not regularly flushed, your water heater can corrode more quickly. The sediment can also block or clog the pressure and relief valve (which helps keep your water heater from exploding).
Can a gas water heater last 30 years?
These heaters have an average lifespan of 20 years. However, some can last for up to 30 years when maintained properly.
What are signs that your hot water heater is going out?
7 Tell-tale signs of a Water Heater not workingYou don't have enough hot water. ... You have varying water temperature issues. ... You have a leaking water heater. ... You notice reduced water flow. ... You're hearing some concerning sounds. ... You have smelly or discolored water. ... Your water heater is on the older end of the spectrum.
Should I replace a 15 year old water heater?
Water Heater Lifespan If your tank water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. With proper maintenance, a tank water heater tank should last six to 12 years. A tankless water heater can last for more than 20 years. Check your water heater's warranty for the most accurate timelines.
How much does a water heater flush cost?
between $80 and $100The cost of flushing a water heater can vary quite a lot depending on the area, the quality of the plumber, and the type of water heater. Generally, for most standard water heaters, a flush will cost between $80 and $100.
Can I flush my water heater myself?
Open a hot water faucet on an upper floor and the water heater drain valve. Let the tank drain until sediment clogs the valve and reduces the flow. Close the upstairs hot water faucet and water heater drain valve. Remove the temperature-pressure release valve and screw in the vacuum adapter.
How do I prevent sediment in my water heater?
The best way to remove sediment from the bottom of the tank is to perform a “mini flush”. Regular flushing of your water heater through the drain valve can help prevent sediment build up and other future problems. This is important to prevent rust, corrosion, and also improves the efficiency of the water heater.
What is included on preventive maintenance on a hot water heater?
This water heater maintenance checklist is broken down into 5 steps:Turn off the water heater. ... Check the valves and look for possible leaks on pipes and joints. ... Flush any sediment buildup. ... Check the anode rod and replace if needed. ... Refill the water heater tank.
How much does it cost to flush a water heater?
between $80 and $100What does it cost to flush a water heater? The cost of flushing a water heater can vary quite a lot depending on the area, the quality of the plumber, and the type of water heater. Generally, for most standard water heaters, a flush will cost between $80 and $100.
How do you flush sediment out of a water heater?
How to Flush Sediment Out of a Water HeaterTurn the Water Heater Off. ... Turn the Cold Water Valve Off. ... Let the water cool. ... Attach a drain or garden hose to the drain valve on the side of the tank. ... Place the end of the hose in a bucket or drain. ... Turn on a faucet (or two) ... Start draining the tank by turning on the drain valve.More items...
How often should I drain my water heater?
once a yearIt's generally a good idea to drain your water heater at least once a year, according to both BobVila.com and The Family Handyman. If you live in an area with hard water, though, Angie's List says you may need to drain it more frequently.
What is the maintenance of a water heater?
The maintenance may also include an inspection and deep cleaning of the water heater’s coils, rods, and other pieces.
Why is it important to maintain a water heater?
Water heater maintenance isn’t only important because it helps to keep you warm in the colder months. Damaged or broken water heaters also put you and your family at risk for severe burns.
Why does my heater overheat?
Usually, what’s happening is that your heater is actually overheating, because it’s overcompensating for clogs in the system.
How long does a water heater last?
In general, the overall lifespan of your water heater will be anywhere from eight to twelve years. Of course, there are several factors that can influence this lifespan.
What does it mean when your water heater is not draining?
It means that it’s the problem with your water heater, not actually your pipes. If this is the case, then it’s best to rely on the services of a professional. They’ll be able to more completely drain your tank, and they’ll likely take a look at the overall quality of your pipes, as well.
Why is my water pressure low?
This is likely a sign that a buildup of minerals or other types of sediment. The pressure may also be low because of a kink in a pipe, or simply because of faulty installation.
Do you need to maintain a water heater?
Of course, you’ll know that you need water heater maintenance when you spy a leak or a big puddle surrounding your heater.
How long does a water heater last?
A water heater typically lasts between 8 and 12 years, but only if it is maintained properly. A simple three-step annual maintenance plan will extend the life of the water heater. If you're just going through routine servicing, there's no need to call a professional to complete the job for you.
How to lower water temperature on a water heater?
To lower the water temperature on an electric water heater, you might need to remove a small metal panel covering the thermostat : 1 Turn off the power to the water heater by switching off the appropriate breaker in your home's breaker box. 2 Remove the thermostat access panel and adjust the temperature to the desired setting. This might require a flathead screwdriver. 3 Replace the thermostat cover and turn the power back on at the breaker box.
How to adjust temperature on thermostat?
Remove the thermostat access panel and adjust the temperature to the desired setting. This might require a flathead screwdriver.
How to prevent rust on water heater?
Prevent rust and corrosion by removing sediment from the bottom of the tank, a task that also improves the energy efficiency of the unit. Although a complete flush of the water heater tank is best, it requires shutting down the water heater. A mini-flush works well, takes a fraction of the time, and can be done while the water heater is running:
Where to put a bucket under a water heater?
Place a bucket under the drain valve found near the bottom of the water heater tank.
How to open a water valve?
Lift up on the lever of the valve to open the valve manually. This will release hot water through the discharge tube and into the bucket. Warning: The water is very hot, so take care to avoid skin contact.
What to do if a valve won't open?
If the valve won't open, contact a plumber to perform maintenance.
Safety First
With a little effort, you can keep your gas and electric water heaters working efficiently. Some repairs are simple, like how to drain a gas or electric water heater and pressure relief valve and tank or pilot light maintenance. However, if you aren't comfortable working with gas or electricity, always call a professional.
Check the Pressure Valve
Both gas and electric water heaters have a safety device called a temperature and pressure relief valve, or T&P valve for short. In the event the tank overpressurizes, the relief valve opens and releases the pressure. If the valve doesn't operate correctly, the tank can overpressurize and explode.
Flush the Tank
Sediment buildup in the tank can reduce your water heater's energy efficiency and also clog your water lines. Avoid these problems and increase the life of your unit by flushing the tank each time you check the pressure relief valve.
Gas Water Heaters: Lighting the Pilot
With the gas valve in an “on” position and the control knob set to “pilot,” press the knob and push the igniter button. The light will blink when it’s lit and you should see a small flame through the view pane. Set the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Electric Water Heaters: Before Connecting Electric Power
Follow these steps before connecting the power to your electric water heater.
How do I Perform Water Heater Maintenance?
Most gas water heaters will last 12 to 15 years before they need replacement. Here are some simple water heater maintenance items that can help prolong the life of your gas water heater. (These same tips apply to electric water heaters.)
Why is my water heater not working?
Second, you could be losing heat through uninsulated pipes as hot water travels from your water heater tank to your faucet. And third, your water heater may have built-up sediment that’s causing it not to work as efficiently.
How Does a Gas Water Heater Work?
A gas powered water heater makes use of a gas burner. When the cold water is brought into the tank via a dip tube, this burner heats the water.
How Can I Tell if My Water Heater Has Sediment?
Most of the U.S. has hard water. In fact, hard water is found in 85% of the U.S. water supply. Calcium and magnesium in the water can cause calcium carbonite or lime scale to build up in your water heater. At extreme levels, the sediment can become almost like gravel in your water heater.
Why flush a water heater?
That’s why flushing annually may improve a gas water heater’s lifespan. And it’s a very important part of water heater maintenance. Annual sediment flushing should be enough to ensure a gas water heater is able to do its job efficiently. Unfortunately, if left unfixed for too long, the heater could break down.
What happens when you open a faucet to get hot water?
So, when you open a faucet to get hot water, the dip tube brings in cool water to displace the hot water that’s pushed out. The thermostat on the water heater controls the amount of gas used to heat the water.
What is the thermostat on a water heater?
The thermostat on the water heater control s the amount of gas used to heat the water. Remember, a gas water heater (or electric water heater) works to maintain the temperature at a constant level in the tank.
