Like all mechanical and electrical devices, hot water heaters develop problems as they get older. Some hot water heaters, especially as time goes on, make noises as the water heats up. This does not necessarily mean that there is a problem with your water heater or that it needs to be repaired or replaced but is worth checking out. Most hot water heaters last many years without major problems and can last between ten and twenty years before needing to be replaced.

You may not realize how much you rely hot water heaters until they stop working. But if you understand how this piece of equipment works and some basics about its proper care and maintenance, you can ensure that it lasts as long as possible.

It is important to understand how water heaters work. Most of them contain a thick steel inner tank that holds up to eighty gallons of water inside and this tank is insulated to make sure that the water stays hot as it is heated. Two external water tubes are connected to the tank.

Because water expands when it heats, a pressure relief valve is needed to release the extra pressure inside the tank. Another valve, known as the drain valve, allows you to drain the tank. The water is heated by a heating element, and the temperature is controlled by a thermostat. Some water heaters are heated by electricity, others by propane, and still others are solar powered.

In order to make water heaters last their full lifespan, it is important to perform regular maintenance. The most important thing you can do is to drain them at least once per year. You may need to do this more often if the water in your area has a high concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals can build up on the bottom of your tank and cause water heaters to not function properly.

The process of draining the tank is relatively simple. To drain water heaters, the first step is to disconnect the power supply. If the water heater is fueled by electricity, simply turn off the breaker. If it is fueled by gas, turn the thermostat to pilot so that you can prevent the heating elements from turning on while you are flushing hot water heaters.

Next, turn off the cold water supply and attach a hose to the drain valve so you can drain the water out and run all of the water outside. Open the pressure relief valve, and then open the drain valve so that the water begins to drain through the hose. Make sure to drain all of the water out of the tank. Doing so will remove the sediment buildup caused by the minerals in the water.

Maintaining hot water heaters can be tricky and unsafe if you are unsure of what you are doing. It may be a good idea to hire a professional to perform care and maintenance on your heater. But whether you chose to care for it yourself or to hire a trained professional, make sure that hot water heaters are maintained regularly so that they can last as long as possible.

 

For more information, contact Vinny’s Jersey Plumbing, located in Wayne, New Jersey.  We also service other towns in New Jersey, such as Parsippany, Paramus and Livingston.