Depending on the needs of your household, a gas water heater may be ideal for your home. It heats water faster overall and can produce more hot water than an electric heater. This makes a gas heater just the thing for a larger household. It’s also connected to the gas company, so fuel doesn’t have to be regularly delivered as it would be for an oil or propane-powered tank. Here are some tips for making sure your gas-powered water heater works well.
Safety First
If you’re going to tend to your water heater, you’ll need to take some safety precautions. Among them are:
- Turn off the gas. Clear the area around the tank, then find the gas pipe. Turn the valve until it’s at a 90-degree angle to the pipe. This means it’s off.
- Turn off the freshwater supply, and let the water in the tank cool.
- Wear safety glasses, gloves, and other protective gear.
- Make sure the space around the heater is ventilated.
Flush the Heater Regularly
As with just about every type of hot water tank, a gas-powered water heater needs to be flushed regularly. Flushing helps remove sediment from the tank and extends its working life. You attach a garden hose to the drain valve and let the water run out. Reopen the freshwater pipe to let some water into the tank, then keep flushing the tank till the water is clear.
Check the Temperature Pressure Release Valve
This is the valve that makes sure the pressure in the tank does not get dangerously high. Set a bucket beneath the TPR’s discharge valve and lift the tab. If water comes out, the TPR is working the way it should. If not, call a professional and have the valve replaced.
Check the Anode Rod
The sacrificial anode rod inside the tank is made of magnesium or aluminum. Its job is to draw sediment to it and away from the inside of the tank. If it’s worn down to a nub or crusted with limescale, replace it. You can buy an anode rod at a hardware store, and it’s typically easy to install.
Check the Temperature
You may like your water extremely hot, but it really should be set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher temperatures risk scalding accidents and can raise your energy bill.
Caring for Your Water Heater
Not having reliable hot water is an inconvenience for any household. To learn more about how to take care of your gas water heater and schedule water heater service, call our professionals at Blaze Air in North Carolina.