| | | | | cleaning and re-calibrate the unit as necessary. This |
| Your water heater is an important part of your family's | | | | cleaning will include the burner ports and anode rod, |
| everyday life. According to Aris Parviz of Able Air-1, | | | | which will help keep your pilot light burning evenly. The |
| Inc., a single visit from your plumbing contractor once a | | | | contractor will also check to make sure no debris is |
| year will keep your water heater in tip-top shape. Here, | | | | near the unit. You can do your part to ensure your |
| Parviz explains the type of maintenance your water | | | | water heater's ongoing safety and performance by |
| heater needs in order to ensure its long-term safety | | | | checking for and clearing out debris and dust from the |
| and performance. | | | | water heater enclosure on an ongoing basis. |
| | | | | |
| If your water heating system is over 10 years old, you | | | | How to Avoid Sediment Buildup |
| need to get it replaced or at least have it serviced. | | | | Over time, sediment builds up in your water heater |
| The life of a typical water heater is about 10 years, | | | | tank, which can interfere with the water heater's |
| and unfortunately, there have been many cases | | | | efficiency and decrease its lifespan. It can also |
| where older water heaters, especially the ones that | | | | combine with chlorine to form unhealthy chemical |
| have not been properly maintained, have ruptured and | | | | compounds in your water. To avoid sediment buildup, |
| flooded the space. | | | | water heaters need to be drained periodically. |
| | | | | Self-cleaning water heaters eliminate sediment |
| Servicing your water heater is important for two | | | | concerns, but older water heaters should be drained at |
| reasons. First, proper maintenance will prolong the life | | | | least once a year. |
| of your water heater and help you avoid costly | | | | |
| service calls. Second, if improperly maintained, your | | | | Draining your water heater isn't tricky, since you can |
| water heater can also pose a safety risk. Most | | | | either do it yourself or have a contractor handle it as |
| manufacturers recommend that you have your water | | | | part of your yearly maintenance. To drain it yourself, |
| heater professionally serviced at least once a year, | | | | first turn off the gas or electricity to the unit, then turn |
| and each water heater comes with a list of | | | | off the cold water supply to the water heater. Next, |
| recommended yearly maintenance tasks. Regardless | | | | attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the |
| of your water heater's type or model, the following are | | | | tank. Turn on a hot water faucet somewhere in your |
| some maintenance tips you can never overlook. | | | | home (to avoid the formation of a vacuum) and then |
| | | | | open the drain valve on your water heater tank. Once |
| Thorough Inspection and Cleaning | | | | the water runs clear, close the drain valve and turn the |
| In order to ensure that your water heater continues to | | | | cold water supply back on. |
| function properly and doesn't become a health or | | | | |
| safety hazard, it's important to conduct a thorough | | | | If you have an older water heater that hasn't been |
| inspection each year. This is best handled by a | | | | drained within the last five years, you're out of luck as |
| professional and will include such items as the | | | | the unit will need to be replaced. Water heaters |
| pressure-relief valve, combustion chamber and flue | | | | normally have a lifespan of about 10 years, but |
| vent (for gas- and oil-fueled models), and anode rod. | | | | sediment can certainly speed their declines. Don't take |
| | | | | the chance of thousands of dollars worth of flood |
| If you have an electric model, the heating elements will | | | | damages. Call AbleAir-1 today for a plumber to check |
| need to be checked as well. After inspecting each | | | | your water heating system. |
| element, your contractor will perform a thorough | | | | |