Introduction
On-demand hot water is a luxury we often overlook until it no longer flows from the tap. Whether it’s a hot shower, or hot water to clean grimy dishes, we use it throughout the day. With something so readily available, it’s easy to forget about the appliance that makes it all possible. Water heaters are generally very reliable. However, efficiency and reliability count on regular maintenance. In this post, we will discuss some common types of water heaters and the annual maintenance procedure for the most common one.
Types of Water Heaters
There are several different types of water heaters. They fall into two main categories: tanked and tankless. Here are the most common types of water heaters:
- Electric Tanked Water Heaters – These are the most common type of water heater used in the US. This is due to their affordability and reliability. Relatively simple in construction, they consist of an insulated tank, electric heating element(s), and a thermostat. Water is kept hot until it is needed. Therefore in cases where the hot water demand is very low, this type of water heater can be very inefficient.
- Gas Tanked Water Heater – These are very similar to the above type. However, they heat the water through the combustion of natural gas or propane, rather than with electric heating elements. Due to the combustion involved, they require proper ventilation to ensure safety.
- Electric Tankless “On-Demand” Water Heaters – As the name suggests, these water heaters only heat the water when it’s needed. Once they detect the hot water valve has been opened, they begin heating the hot water as it flows. These tend to not be very effective when used in a high water usage household.
- Gas Tankless Water Heaters – This type of water heater is similar to the electric version in construction and operation, where it heats water as water is needed. However, gas tankless heaters are a great option for homes that use a considerable amount of hot water due to the ability of gas to heat large volumes of water quickly, compared to electricity.
Water Heater Maintenance
Before proceeding with this process, please consult the owner’s manual for your appliance. The information below serves as a general guide for tanked, electric water heaters. Most water heater manufacturers recommend the TPR (temperature / pressure relief) valve be checked and the tank flushed at least once a year.
Annual Maintenance Procedure for a Tanked Water Heater
- Turn off the power and cold water shut off valve.
- Test TPR (temperature / pressure relief) valve.
- Place a bucket under the TPR valve drain. Caution: water will be hot.
- Pull up on the trip lever.
- If water does not come out, your TPR valve needs to be replaced. This is a safety concern that should be addressed promptly!
- Connect a hose to the drain at the bottom of the water heater. Place the end of the hose in an appropriate drainage area.
- Open the drain valve and let the water heater drain completely. Caution: water will be hot.
- Open the cold water valve temporarily to rinse out any sediment from the bottom of the tank and allow it to drain as well. Continue this process until all sediment has been removed and the water coming out runs clear.
- Close the drain, remove the hose, and open the cold water valve.
- Turn on hot water faucets around the house to allow all air to bleed from the waterlines and your water heater to refill.
- Finally, turn the power back on for your water heater.
Congratulations! You’ve completed the annual maintenance for your water heater!
Takeaway
Water heaters make our lives much more comfortable, but regular maintenance is often overlooked. Annual maintenance is a relatively simple task for tanked water heaters, but is a bit more complex for tankless versions. This is just one of the many home maintenance tasks required to keep your home in shape. Holston Home Inspections can help identify neglected maintenance items before they cause major damage, and provide a customized maintenance plan.