Fall Water Heater Maintenance Advice

Fall has officially begun. More individuals are using their water heaters as the days get shorter and the mornings get chillier. Our team of skilled plumbers has put together a list of DIY Water Heater Maintenance Tips because you will be using your water heater more regularly. Before you get too caught up in organizing your Halloween costume and decorating the house, be sure your water heater is in good operating order.

Taking the Water Heater Tank Off the Gas

If your house already has a tankless water heater, you don't need this.

But if, like the rest of us, you have a traditional tank water heater, you need flush it out once a year. Fortunately for us, the fall is the optimum time to complete this activity. If you're curious, allow me to explain. Because it starts to get colder in the fall, the typical amount of time a water heater is utilized rises. In the fall and winter, when it's warmer outside, people prefer to take longer, hotter showers. The techniques listed below can help you flush out your water heater:
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• ​The water heater needs to be unplugged now.
• We appreciate your patience as the tank's water requires time to cool.
• A hose can be used to access the tank's side drain valve.
• One end of the hose can be inserted into a sizable container, such as a sink or bucket.
• Start by turning on a handful of your home's hot water faucets.
• The release valve, which is conveniently situated near to where the hose was attached in step 4, can be opened to empty the tank.

Once the tank has finished draining, disconnect the hose, close the release valve, shut off each faucet, and then switch on the water heater by opening the cold water valve.

Reduce the Heat

We respectfully ask that you be patient with us if at first you believe this to be ludicrous. You might want to lower your water heater's setting by about 10 degrees in the fall. Lowering the temperature will help you save a lot of energy during the fall and winter when more people use hot water.

Furthermore, a ten-degree variation in water's temperature cannot be felt by the ordinary human. All that really needs to be kept in mind when changing your water heater is keeping the temperature above 120 degrees and below 140 degrees. If you don't, you could burn your skin or get sick from the water.

Check on the TPR Valve (Test and Pressure Relief Valve)

In the event of an explosion, the Test and Pressure Relief Valve (TPR Valve) was created to release extra pressure from your water heater. The potential of explosions from water heaters is widely acknowledged. Locate the TPR valve (it is typically towards the tank's base) and turn it on. The water flow in the connected discharge line must be audible and noticeable. You need to immediately turn off the power to the water heater and call us if you don't hear or feel water running through the discharge line.

Need Advice from a Pro? Contact Us!

Even if you have been vigilant in completing your own Fall water heater maintenance, something will eventually go wrong. Don't hesitate to contact CBJ Plumbing immediately away if you need assistance with self-care or are having problems with your water heater. If your water heater malfunctions, we can fix it or replace it.