What to Know About Water Heaters

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

You can thank your water heater for the hot water that fuels your dishwashers, showers, and baths. These appliances are in almost every household and are used to heat up cold water that runs through the pipes. However, many homeowners don’t maintain their heaters as well as they should, which can increase the risk of water damage. Here are a few tips about this helpful appliance.

What Your Water Heater Does

The large cylinder contains a heating mechanism that heats the water inside. The water goes through a pipe within the machine and is heated. The heater is a great insulator, so the heat remains inside the cylinder and doesn’t escape into the air. The heated water within the appliance moves through the pipes to your faucet on demand.

Why The Heater Should Be Maintained

These appliances are large and full of water, so they can be a big hazard. Most steel tanks are glass-lined to prevent damage and leakage, but this doesn’t mean that problems can’t occur. If the heater suffers from a hole or piercing, it should be replaced quickly.

There are a few ways that these appliances can be damaged:

• High pressure
• Large sediment build-up
• Rust

These issues can cause a lot of damage and might require you to get professional water damage repair.

How To Take Care of Your Water Heater

It’s important to take care of your home by keeping an eye on your appliance. One of the best ways to maintain your heater is to flush it often.

To do this, first drain away the water. Once all the water has left the appliance through the pipes, refill it up halfway with cold water. Access the water heater flush panel to clear away sediment and fill up the heater with fresh water. This can help prevent blockage and reduce high pressure.
Periodically inspect your water heater and look for any signs of damage or build-up. By doing this, you can reduce the risk of water damage.