Maintaining Your Water Heater

If you want to have a functional and safe water heater, it's imperative that you maintain it properly. To learn how you can perform some upkeep on your water heater, read this post by Daniel's DKI in Palm Springs.

The winter months are coming closer and closer, which means that the temperatures are steadily falling. It is during this time that we want to make sure that everything that can help keep us warm during the winter is working as expected. Unless you want to be showering with freezing cold water during the winter, it is a good idea to take a look at your water heater to perform some light maintenance on it. For tips on the matter, continue reading the post below.

Do you need assistance keeping your home in mint shape? Call Daniel's DKI at (760) 320-2128 for professional property restoration in Palm Springs.

How to Check and Clean Your Water Heater

Prepare before You Begin

The key with this and any other maintenance task is being prepared for it. To that end, it's suggested that you do the same in this case. First, turn the water heater completely off and wait a good amount of time until it cools off, so you don't burn yourself. It's also recommended that you change into comfortable clothing that will allow you to work and that can get dirty.

Clean around the Heater Thoroughly

The water heater's cleanliness can affect its performance and safety. This also includes the outside and surroundings of it. If you find any debris or dirt around the heater, remove it effectively. Of course, if there's anything flammable nearby, too, you should keep them at a safe distance to avoid a mishap. Lastly, make sure there's nothing blocking the heater's ventilation. If there is, move it away.

If your home has fire, smoke, or water damage, call Daniel's DKI at (760) 320-2128 to help remedy the issues with professional property restoration in Palm Springs.

Check and Clean the Burner

The water heater needs a burner to actually heat your water, but you need to check it and clean it to keep it working as expected. To that end, you will need to look into the water heater with a flashlight. As you do, assess its condition and cleanliness. If soot and filth have accumulated on it, clean it off so your burner won't malfunction.

Check All of the Pipes

When you see your water heater, you will notice that there are pipes that connect it to the wall. For them to work correctly, they need to be in the best shape possible. That's why it's necessary that you go through each one and you notice the condition they are in (if they're damaged, if they're leaking, if they are loose, etc.). If they have issues, try to fix them. But if you can't, you will have to replace them.

If needed, call a professional team, like Daniel's DKI at (760) 320-2128, for assistance in maintaining your home, or if you require professional property restoration in Palm Springs.

Inspect the Temperature and Pressure Valve

The temperature and pressure valve is the one responsible for releasing pressure and increasing the temperature so that your water can heat up. Needless to say, it should be working correctly. To inspect it, lift the lever. If the lever snaps back and the heater starts gurgling, it's working correctly. If it doesn't, get it replaced, soon.

Avoid Calcium Buildup

Calcium can damage your engine and affect its performance negatively. To avoid calcium buildup in your water heater, you will need to drain the water in the tank every so often. To that end, you should place a bucket directly under the drain pipe. Then, you will have to open up the pipe to let all of the water out of the tank (and the calcium in it). Make sure the bucket is big enough to drain it completely.

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Insulate the Water Heater

A good idea that can help your water heater's efficiency, is insulating it with a fitted fiberglass blanket. Doing so will help the heater keep its temperature more easily, which can save you a lot of money and energy in the long run. Just remember that the blanket should have strategically placed holes so that the heater can remain ventilated.

Get Professional Help

Last but not least, you should get a professional to help you in case it is needed. If at any point during your maintenance routine, you feel uncertain of what you're doing or you consider that there's an issue you can't tackle yourself, get a professional to assist you and help keep your water heater in mint condition for longer.

If an accident, a natural disaster, neglect, or another mishap has taken a toll on your home, call Daniel's DKI at (760) 320-2128 for professional property restoration in Palm Springs.