Proven Hot Water Tank Maintenance Tips to Save You Money

Water Tank Maintenance

Both gas and electric water heaters require minimal maintenance. Performing this maintenance regularly could save you thousands in water heater replacement costs. Additionally, it will extend the life and performance of your water tank. However, be cautious when working on a hot water heater. Handle components such as natural gas, electricity, hot water (possibly steam), and sharp metal edges with care and respect. Always wear protective gear like leather gloves and protective eyewear.

Firstly, read through the entire procedure before you start so you know if you’re comfortable performing this maintenance or not.

DRAIN the TANK

Over time, naturally occurring calcium in the water will ‘scale’ and settle at the bottom of your tank. This calcium build-up is muddy, sometimes gritty, and commonly known as sediment. Sediment build-up in your tank will lead to many problems. Most importantly, it becomes a barrier between the heat source at the bottom of the tank and the water it’s trying to heat. This barrier forces the tank to work harder to heat the water, which further breaks down the integrity of the tank floor. Consequently, regular draining of the tank prevents sediment build-up.

How to drain your hot water tank (recommended every 4-6 months):

For Electric Hot Water Tanks:

Shut off the electricity to the tank. The breaker should be clearly labeled on your home’s electric panel.
Make note of the hot water tank’s current thermostat setting, so you can reset it later.
Shut off the cold water valve feeding the cold side of the tank.

For Natural Gas Hot Water Tanks:

Shut off the gas valve to the tank.
Make note of the hot water tank’s thermostat setting, so you can reset it later.
Shut off the cold water valve feeding the cold side of the tank.

Drain the Tank:

Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of your tank. Find a suitable place to drain the water, either in the floor drain by the hot water tank or outside where you don’t mind a little muddy sediment discharge.

Open the T&P (temperature and pressure) relief valve to drop the water pressure and release a small amount of water into the floor drain. If your T&P relief valve isn’t adequately piped to the floor drain, catch this water in a pan or bucket.

Open the drain valve and allow your water tank to drain. This should take about 20 to 30 minutes.

Once you drain the tank, close the drain valve and then turn the cold water valve back on. Next, keep the T&P relief valve open to let the air escape as the tank refills. Be sure to stay nearby, as it only takes about five minutes to fill. Once the tank is full, close the T&P relief valve to prevent water from splashing out. Congratulations, you’ve successfully drained the sediment from your tank!

For an electric water heater, you can now turn the electricity back on. Meanwhile, for a natural gas water heater, turn the gas valve back on, relight the pilot, and reset the thermostat to its original setting.

How to check your T&P relief valve:

Ensure the valve allows water to run through by opening and closing it a few times. It should let water through when open and stop the water when closed. If no water comes out when open, or water continues to leak past the T&P valve when closed, it is no longer functioning properly and needs replacement.