Plumbing Contractors

All of us rely on our hot water heater, but few bother to actually maintain it until it is too late. When the hot water stops, we fly into action. Massachusetts plumbing contractors often see water heaters that have failed long before they should have and it could have been avoided with some very simple maintenance. In Saugus, MA you should be draining you water heater at least once a year. Of course, this doesn’t apply to the tankless hot water heaters that are becoming more popular these days. If you live in an area outside of town with well water or hard water, you should probably do this more frequently. Simply draining the water from a water heater tank on a somewhat regular basis can greatly improve its lifespan and prevent you from having to call a Massachusetts plumber so often. Whether you have a gas water heater or an electric water heater, the steps are the same and should be followed in either case.

First, take a minute to turn off the power to the water heater. In fact, if you can find the breaker for the circuit the water heater is on, it is best to turn it on here just to avoid any unfortunate accidents. We all know water and electricity do not mix well. If you have a gas water heater, you also want to go ahead and turn the pilot off, as you do not want the flame to continue heating while the water is draining. Take a note where the water heater is gas control valve is set before turning it off, however, just so you know where to set it back at once you have completed draining and refilling the tank. Also, shut off the water valve that lets water into the water heater, so you will know when you are done draining.

Water Heater Repair in Massachusetts

The next step that Saugus MA plumbing contractors suggests that you take would be to attach a garden hose to the drain valve which should be located at the bottom of the water heater. This would generally look like what you would hook your garden house to outside. To be able to find the drain valve you might need to remove a cover. There should be a clear place where you will be able to hook a hose up to it. Now that you have the hose hooked up to the water heater you will then be able to determine where you want the water with sediment in it to go. You might want to put it in a bucket for your yard but please remember that there is sediment in the water so it might kill more delicate plants. You will not want to use this water for washing anything either.

Massachusetts Water Heater Repair

Saugus MA plumbing contractors say that you have two options you can let the water set overnight so that it cools off or you will need to use a high quality hose so that it will not get holes in it. You will then need to open the drain valve and allow the water to leave the water heater. You will also want to open the pressure/relief valve. This is usually found at the top of the water heater. Releasing the pressure/relief valve will allow the water to flow freely from the water heater. You will need to keep in mind that the faster that you have the water coming out will cause you to take longer in the long run. After you have flushed the water heater for a few minutes you will want to take a bucket and fill it with water. Once the bucket is full you will want to check for discoloration or sediment at the bottom. If you find that there is discoloration or sediment at the bottom of the bucket you will want to continue with this process. When you find the water coming out is clear you will then be ready to move on to the next step.

Massachusetts Plumbers

Once you have found that you have clear water coming out of the drain valve you will want to close it and remove the garden hose. Saugus MA plumbing contractors also suggest that you close the relief/pressure valve if you had opened. You will then need to turn the water back on and let your water heater tank fill back up. You will then be able to slowly reopen the pressure relief valve to remove any excess air that might have built up. After you have bleed all the excess air out you will then need to close the pressure relief valve again. You will need to close the water heater drain and then open hot water on bathtub and wait until you see a full stream of water. You will then want to turn off the bathtub spigot and go back to the water heater and make sure that you can hear that it is working. You will then need to wait about twenty minutes and test the hot water at the bathtub.

When you find that you are having problems with your water heater there are a number of reason for it. This is why it is important to take the time and maintain your water heater. If you do not feel comfortable with any of these steps or are not sure where to locate a piece then you will want to call in a professional to help you with your water heater needs. There are some things that you might be able to do on your own but at any time you get confused or are uncomfortable it is best to call in a professional to help you with your plumbing needs.