From Tom Kraeutler - Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
Sep-28-2011

Late summer to early fall is the perfect time of year for home maintenance projects. In fact, we like to call this the Goldilocks season, not too hot and not too cold. It's just right to tackle dozens of little tasks around your home that will keep your house in good shape for years to come. Here are just a few that we recommend:
Water Heater: Regardless of the type of water heater you have, gas or electric, water heaters can develop a build up of sediment at the bottom of the tank. This build up can cause the water heater to operate inefficiently, shortening the life span of the appliance. To keep the water heater working properly, you should drain two gallons of water from the tank twice a year. It is very important that when you are doing this maintenance to your water heater, you make sure the appliance is turned off and that you protect yourself from a potential burn. Wear thick gloves, long sleeves, and safety goggles, and do not touch the water draining out of the tank. Turn the water heater off for one hour bore you begin the water heater maintenance to reduce the temperature of the water in the tank.
There are two valves on your water heater. The one near the top is a safety valve that release pressure - DON'T TOUCH IT. The one near the bottom is for draining and the only one that should be opened for this purpose. Connect a hose to the water heater drain valve and set it to drain into a sink, or to drain outside where it can not hurt anyone. Once the drain is safely in place, turn the valve counter clockwise to open the drain. Remember the water is going to be very hot! In a few gallons, the water will become clear as the sediment washes out. Close the valve by turning clockwise and make sure you close it completely so there are no drips. Turn the water heater back on and continue enjoying your always at the ready hot water.
If you are considering a new water heater - the life expectancy is 8-12 years - you might consider replacing your tanked water heater with a tankless unit. Rheem makes several models - one that's even as small as a medicine chest. Tankless water heaters heat water as you need it, instead of keeping a tankfull of water hot ALL the time. You can put them in smaller places - like in a closet that shares a wall with you master bath, and that way you can have your hot water instantly. Tankless water heaters are HUGE on energy efficiency as well.

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Posted by Ken at 6:49 PM - Link to this entry  |  Share this entry  |  Print