Does your gas water heater need a little TLC? Never run out of hot water with these simple tips.
As Summer turns to Fall and Fall soon turns to Winter, ensuring you wake up to plenty of hot water on a cold morning is a must. It is probably no surprise that water heaters will work a little harder in the Winter due to colder temps. While you cannot control mother nature, you can take measures to extend the life of your gas water heater and keep the hot water flowing all season long without interruption. This will not only save you time and money, it will also give you peace of mind knowing that your water heater has been inspected and is deemed safe as well.
Here are a few things to remember and consider as you prepare for cooler months.
Recirculating Pump
If you have a recirculating pump installed in your home, you know the benefits that are reaped each time the hot water is turned on in your sink or shower. Recirculating pumps give homeowners hot water on demand and can save hundreds of dollars per year by reducing the volume of wasted water. This is especially helpful in larger homes that require hot water to travel a longer distance from the water heater to the faucet. Recirculating pumps keep hot water circulating through the pipes at all times so hot water is instantaneous. If you notice that it takes a while for your faucets to produce hot water, you may benefit from installing a recirculating pump.
Annual Maintenance
To keep your water heater running safely and efficiently, maintenance should be performed on an annual basis. Here are a few maintenance tips for the changing of the seasons:
- Inspect the Vent: gas water heaters have a ventilation system that is located at the top of the heater. The vent is a safety feature that removes dangerous gases like carbon monoxide from the home. Proper ventilation can also prevent your water heater from overheating or backfiring. There are several different types of ventilation system options. Regardless of the ventilation type that is installed in your home, the vent pipes and fixtures should be inspected to ensure they are free of obstructions and securely fastened to the top of the heater. Also look for signs of damage, corrosion, or cracks.
- Drain the Tank: over time, minerals and sediments that are in the water will settle at the bottom of the water heater tank. Draining the tank on an annual or bi-annual basis will remove the loose minerals and make the water heater more efficient. This can help heat the water faster and extend the life of its parts as well.
- Check for Leaks: inspecting the water heater tank, fixtures, and pipes for leaks is a critical step in the annual maintenance process. If a leak exists, uncovering it in a timely manner can prevent water heater failure and a catastrophe from occurring.
- Inspect the Anode Rod: the water heater anode rod works by attracting corrosive elements and protecting the tank from sediment damage. The rod, typically located at the top of the water heater tank, is made of metal and should be replaced every 3-5 years. It is important to inspect it regularly to prevent excessive corrosion, leaks and irreversible damage to the water heater.
- Check the T&P Valve: this valve, which stands for “temperature and pressure”, is an essential part of the water heater. In the event of an emergency or malfunction, it will prevent the water heater from exploding. The T&P valve is attached to a tube on the outside of a water heater. If the temperature inside the water heater exceeds 200 degrees or the pressure exceeds 150 psi, the valve will open and release the water inside the tank through the tube. If not working properly, the tank could explode so it is important to check the valve on a regular basis to make sure it is functioning properly.
- Clean the Burner Assembly: the burner tubing and ignition system can accumulate soot, ash, and debris in the combustion chamber over time. The burner assembly should be inspected and cleaned with a vacuum or brush on an annual basis. This will ensure cleaner burning and keep the burner in your water heater operating properly throughout the year.
- Check the Thermostat: to ensure the thermostat is operating properly, check the temperature by running hot water from the closest faucet for 3-4 minutes. Place a cooking or meat thermometer under the hot water to get a reading. If the temperature is not at the desired level, adjust the thermostat and check the temperature again after waiting at least 3 hours. The recommended temperature setting is typically 120°F (49°C) to save energy and prevent scalding, especially in homes with small children.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas that is odorless and colorless. It is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the US. CO can occur when the vent from a gas water heater is damaged, or it is not properly installed or maintained. When CO poisoning occurs, the symptoms can be mild or severe, and can cause permanent injury or death. Symptoms include:
Overall, ensuring that your water pressure stays within the normal household range is not only essential for daily use in the home, monitoring the pressure will also help to prevent significant damage from occurring in the future. If you are noticing any issues with your water pressure and you would like a professional opinion, our plumbing specialists are here to help. Contact us here or give us a call today at (513) 999-6820 and get a free quote on any of our services.
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Impaired vision
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Nausea
For this reason, we recommend getting your water heater inspected and maintained by a professional to check for potential CO leaks or threats on an annual basis. You can also install a carbon monoxide detector that measures the levels of CO in a home. The detector has a sensor with an alarm that will alert homeowners if CO is present and reaches a dangerous level.
Like any other major appliance, consistent maintenance is the key to preventing costly damage and repairs from occurring unexpectedly. While many of the tips in this article can be a DIY project, we understand that performing maintenance on a gas water heater can be an intimidating and overwhelming task. If you need assistance with annual maintenance or would like a professional opinion, Blue Chip Plumbing is just one phone call away. Contact us here or give us a call today at (513) 999-6820 to speak to a plumbing specialist and get a free quote on any of our services.
