Friday, June 26, 2009

How To Take Care Of Water Heaters At Home

By Scott Rodgers

There are a variety of appliances in our home that we use in our day to day life and it is every home owner's duty to maintain them so that they can last for years.

One of the very essential home appliance is the water heater. The real trick to a water heater isnt in the way it heats our water, but rather in the maintenance it requires in order to provide us with years of service.

A good maintenance program will keep your water hot, keep your water heater quiet, lower your utility bill and extend the life of the heater.

In a water heater, cold water enters the top of the tank and flows through a plastic pipe called a dip tube, which delivers the cold water to the bottom of the tank where the burners are located. These burners heat the water to appropriate temperature which rises to the top where it flows out when needed. An insulation layer is present to keep the water hot.

Before talking about the maintenance of the water heater, it is very important to know what are the various factors that can damage it. Above all culprits, corrosion presents the biggest threat to a water heater.

Sediment build-up is the second biggest culprit. It reduces the efficiency. It is also is a breeding ground for bacteria that can be harmful and sediment can cause the rumbling noises.

There are a few important points that one should know about the maintenance of water heaters. The anode rod is responsible for the corrosion so it should be regularly inspected. The tank should be regularly cleaned to remove built up sediment that resides at the bottom of your tank.

You should also check the thermostat of the water heater regularly. In case, it is not accurately measuring the temperature, it is advisable to get it replaced. You should hire a professional plumber for regular checks of your water heater and to get the damaged parts replaced.

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