Get to Know Your Water Heater!
How well do you know your home’s water heater? If you know that it heats up water and that’s about it, there are some more important facts to know, as well as tips for how to best take care of the water heater so it has a long, useful service life.
No, we’re not asking you to become an expert in water heater operation and all the minute details of its construction. And were not asking for you to handle jobs like tank flushing and repairs on your own—which you shouldn’t anyway. The information and tips we have to share are simple, and they can make a big difference for your water heater in Scottsdale, AZ.
Know the type of water heater you have and its energy source
“It’s the round type of water heater” isn’t a sufficient answer on this. There are many types of water heaters now available to consumers, and if you didn’t install the water heater in your house, you may not be aware of some important specifics. See if you have a tank or tankless model (i.e., does the unit store water for use or heat it as needed?). Make sure you know its energy source: natural gas and electricity are the most common, but there are also propane and oil-burning water heaters. You can use the serial number on the tank to find out more information: input it into a search engine browser.
Find out how to shut off the power to the water heater
In case of an emergency, you should know how to turn off the water heater or cut it off from its power supply. A gas water heater will have a valve, and for an electric water heater, determine which breaker switch on the electrical panel you can use to stop voltage flow.
Locate the water heater shut-off valve
Here’s another important emergency precaution. This water flow valve is often on the top of the water heater, and you may need to shut it off if the water heater is leaking. In some cases, turning this valve requires a special tool, which will often hang near the valve. Make certain that you have access to the right tools!
Check the aquastat setting—and know where to keep it
The aquastat is the thermostat for the water heater: it controls the temperature of the water inside. This shouldn’t be a device you manipulate often. We recommend keeping it at 120°F. Please do not raise it above 140°F, since this will create a potential scalding hazard.
Arrange for annual professional maintenance
The best care for your water heater comes from professionals. Each year, schedule a time for the pros to come to your house to inspect and clean the water heater, including a tank flush if necessary.
Have an emergency plumber’s number handy
In case of emergency, know who you can call—us! We have emergency repair service available. When you run into trouble, shut off the power to the water heater (and the water flow if there are leaks) and call the Trusted Plumber!
Call us for any water heater service you need. The Trusted Plumber serves Glendale, AZ and the surrounding areas.
This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com
