While your hot water heater may not always be top of mind, you should set a monthly reminder to check in on it and make sure it’s running smoothly. If you have a more modern system such as a tankless water heater, heat pumps or solar units, make sure to have a professional maintain them. If you have a classic storage tank water heater, there are some basic steps you can take to perform them yourself:

1. Inspect the area around the water heater. Before you go to perform any maintenance on your water heater, check for any warning signs to see if there is an issue. Look around for any puddles, drips or signs of leakage. Also, check around for cracks or even rust on the outside of the tank. If you see any of these signs, have a professional take a look at it.
2. Inspect the pressure relief valve. The valve is usually labeled and it’s the valve that bleeds off tank pressure. If it sticks, the pressure could build to the point where your tank could potentially explode. To check the valve, open it up manually to ensure it opens/closes smoothly. Also, make sure the drain outlet is clear. Hot water should spray out if everything is normal.
3. Flush the tank. To start this step, simply flip the circuit breaker for the water heater and shut the cold water inlet valve. Then, attach a hose to the drain outlet and run it outside, away from the house. Next, open the pressure relief valve and the drain valve, this way you can empty the tank quickly. This will remove anything that can harm your tank over time. Once your tank is empty, close both the drain valve and pressure relief valve. Turn on every hot water faucet and fixture in the house, and then open the cold water inlet valve in order to fill the tank. Turn off each fixture once the water is flowing, then flip the water heater circuit breaker switch to start heating up the tank again.

As always, Nebrasky Plumbing, Heating and Cooling is here for all of your plumbing, heating and cooling needs. Give us a call at 800.989.0299 today!