Water Heater Maintenance

Last Updated on Saturday, 08 May 2010 09:20 Friday, 07 May 2010 17:00

Articles - Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances

Everyone should maintain their hot water tank at least once a year. There are two preventative procedures involved in maintaining your water heater tank.

Everyone should maintain their hot water tank at least once a year. There are two preventative procedures involved in maintaining your water heater tank: One is flushing the sediment from the bottom of the tank and the second is to replace the anode rod. The main reason a water heater needs to be replaced is that the tank suffers from a leak. Once a water tank gets to that point, it is beyond repair and the tank needs to be replaced. There are a few maintenance tasks that can be performed to help extend the life of your tank. For more information, watch the video below about water heater safety.

Flushing the Sediment from a Water Heater

The easiest maintenance you can perform is to annually flush the sediment from your water tank. Sediment build up diminishes the heat transfer from the burner (gas heated) to the water in the tank. To flush the sediment from the tank, attach a hose to the spigot located at the bottom of the tank. Be careful, the water is hot.

Place the other end of the hose in a drain. Turn the spigot on all the way for about 8 to 10 seconds before turning it off. Any sediment that has accumulated is removed from the tank and a more efficient transfer of heat will be accomplished. Even if you have an electric heater, it is a good practice to annually flush your tank.

What is an Anode Rod?

The anode rod is a rod made out of aluminum or magnesium and its function is to sacrifice its metal (corrode) instead of the tank’s metal lining. This corrosion is caused by harmful sediments that build up on the tank. By replacing the anode rod before it is completely deteriorated, you can extend the water heater’s life by several years. It is recommended that you replace the anode rod annually if your water hardness is especially high.

Changing the Anode Rod

1. Shut off the water supply to the water heater.

2. Next, turn off the gas and electric supply to the water heater.
3. Drain a few gallons of water from the water tank as described in Flushing the Sediment from a Water Heater.
4. Loosen the anode rod with a pipe wrench and remove it from the tank.

5. Take the new anode rod and wrap the threads with pipe tape.
6. Insert and tighten the anode rod.
7. Turn on the water valve to the water heater.
8. Turn on the gas cock and relight your pilot See your owner’s manual for specific instructions.

If you feel uncomfortable doing this or any plumbing procedure, always hire a licensed plumber.

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