Water Heater Maintenance for the Fall

Maintaining your home’s water heater will not only ensure hot water all year long but will also improve its life span. This fall make sure it’s working properly with these tips to reduce the buildup in your water heater.

What you’ll need:

• Thick gloves
• Long sleeves
• Safety goggles
• Hose

Before you begin:

An hour before you want to start, turn off the water heater to reduce the temperature of the water in the tank. Put on gloves, long sleeves and safety goggles.

DO NOT TOUCH THE WATER DRAINING OUT OF THE TANK

How to drain water heater:

• There are two valves on the water heater. The one near the top is a safety valve that releases pressure – DO NOT TOUCH IT. The one near the bottom is for draining and the only one that should be opened for this purpose.
• Connect a hose to the water heater drain valve and set it to drain into a sink or outside where the hot water cannot touch anyone.
• Once the hose is safely in place, turn the valve counter-clockwise to open the drain. The water will be HOT so do not touch.
• After draining a few gallons, the water will become clear as the sediment washes out.
• Close the valve by turning it clockwise.
• Make sure the valve is completely closed so there are no leaks.
• Turn the water heater back on!

If you are not comfortable completing the maintenance or if your water heater is located somewhere other than your garage where there is a potential for leaks, please contact one of Minteer Real Estate Team’s preferred plumbers who can perform the water heater checkup and maintenance for you. 

(Source: Semper Fi Home Inspections)

Your home’s equity is constantly changing. Click here to receive your FREE market snapshot and learn more about your home’s value.