We loved our house from the first time we went through, but it really didn't have enough living space. We have worked on improving the layout of the home and increasing the living area of the home to create a modern and more pleasant layout to the home. We are really proud of how the job has turned out and we wanted to share some of the details of how the extension and layout changes where designed and constructed. This blog has some of the photos of our extension as well as tips that we have learnt along the journey,.
A major cause of hot water heater failure is because homeowners fail to carry out basic maintenance task. Properly maintaining a hot water heater will extend its life and prevent breakdowns. Below are some basic maintenance task you should carry out on your hot water heater.
Drain the Hot Water Tank
As time passes, sediment can begin to accumulate at the bottom of the water heater tank. The source of the sediment is often natural minerals which have dissolved into the domestic water supply. An accumulation of sediment can cause corrosion and cause the tank to leak. To combat the accumulation of sediment, you should periodically drain the tank of water. This will help to remove any build up of sediment on the bottom of the tank.
Test the Pressure Relief Valve
After you have drained the tank of sediment, you should test the pressure relief valve. The value is designed to protect the hot water tank from a build up of excessive water pressure. To do this simply raise and lower the lever on the valve several times. You should then be able to see water traveling through the valve. If no water is released, or if the valve begins to leak, you should have it replaced.
Inspect the Sacrificial Anode
A sacrificial anodes is normally made of zinc or aluminium. It is designed to protect the internal steel parts of your hot water tank from corrosion. When the two metals are connected in water, electrochemical processes will cause the anode to corrode rather than the steel. You should inspect the anode to check that it hasn't been completely consumed. You should replace your anode every 5 years or so.
Check the Tank Clearance
Finally, you should check that there is enough clearance around the hot water tank to allow air to circulate and any residual heat to dissipate into the atmosphere. Unless the manufacturer recommends a different distance, it is recommended that you maintain a clearance of at least 2 feet around the tank.
By carrying out these simple maintenance task you can extend the life and reliability of your hot water heater. If you have any questions or concerns about the operation of your hot water heater, you should contact a professional plumbing service today. They will be able to carry out a full inspection of the hot water heater before performing any necessary maintenance or repair work.
Share26 August 2016
