Hot Water Heater Plumbing
Hot Water Heater Plumbing Maintenance
People often take their hot water heater’s plumbing for granted until serious problems develop. Without proper maintenance, water heaters inefficiently consume excessive amounts of gas or electricity. You may be able to take care of some hot water heater plumbing projects on your own, but it’s important to know when professional plumbing services are necessary.
Home Maintenance and Hot Water Heaters
Once a month, check hot water heaters for leaks. Check all valves, pipe connections and underneath the hot water heater. If your water heater is leaking, call a professional.
Hot water heater plumbing is susceptible to mineral scaling, which is caused by dissolved minerals building up inside the heater. Scaling covers heating electrodes in electric hot water heaters, increasing electricity use and reducing heating efficiency.
In order to slow mineral scaling, set your hot water heater at less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Consult your hot water heater’s instruction manual before changing the temperature. If your heater is electric, unplug it before adjusting its temperature.
Draining Hot Water Heaters
Once a year, hot water heaters must be drained to flush out sediment that has settled on the bottom of the tank. A plumber can perform this service, but you may be able to do it yourself.
Shut off the gas or electricity, and then turn off the cold water supply (located at the top of most hot water heaters). At the bottom of the heater, you'll find a plastic drainage valve. Carefully attach a garden hose to this valve and position the other end of the hose so that water can drain safely, without flooding the area. Open the drainage valve slowly; remember that you're dealing with hot--and potentially scalding--water.
Once the heater is drained, reopen the cold water supply. Let the water flush out any remaining sediment for a few minutes before closing the cold water supply again.
Remove the hose, close the drainage valve and then turn on the hot water supply. As the hot water heater fills, run a hot water faucet in the kitchen or bathroom so air forced out of the water tank doesn't build up in the plumbing. Once the heater is full, turn the faucet off. Turn on the gas or electricity, following the instructions in your owner's manual.
When to Call Plumbing Services
Hot water heating plumbing combines plumbing with gas and electricity--a potentially dangerous combination. If you have any doubt about dealing with your hot water heater, a plumbing service may be a better option than dealing with it yourself. If you smell gas when working with a hot water heater, contact your gas company immediately.
Plumbing services are absolutely essential for serious repair work on hot water heater plumbing, especially when it involves gas or electrical connections. Some water heaters heat homes through under-floor pipes or wall radiators. These systems are highly complicated and should be regularly inspected by professional plumbing services.