Maintenance Concerns To Be Aware of With a Water Heater

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

Any water damage in a home, from a failed water heater or some other issue, should be taken care of by a professional team.

A water heater is a wonderful device for the home, as it works for years with very little maintenance needed. Occasionally, though, there are times when the household appliance can use a little help. An annual flush of the tank is likely to extend the lifespan of the heater, limit repairs and perhaps even avoid a messy water leak. Over time, sediment collects in the bottom of water heaters and corrodes the bottom of the tank. Eventually, the bottom will give way, releasing about 40 gallons of water into a home in Lockport, IL. This is enough water to harm flooring, furniture, and personal belongings. If this happens, calling in a professional water remediation team prevents further damage to the house.

How To Flush a Water Heater

A water heater flush can be accomplished in just a few hours. A garden hose and a drainage area and perhaps a screwdriver are all that is needed. For an electric heater, turn off the power to the device by flipping the circuit breaker that goes to it. For a gas heater, turn off the gas line until the pilot light is extinguished on the device. The following steps should then be taken:

Connect one end of a garden hose to the hose bib at the bottom of the heater

Place the other end of the hose near a drain or outside the home

Open the drain valve on the heater

Turn on the nearest hot water faucet

Allow the tank to fully drain

Refill the tank with water and turn unit back on

These are the basic steps for a flush. Anyone not comfortable with the process should hire a plumbing contractor for the job.

How To Handle Water Damage

Any water damage in a home, from a failed water heater or some other issue, should be taken care of by a professional team. Trained workers can remove the water, dry out the affected area, and restore the home "Like it never even happened."