Family gatherings require a significant amount of preparation. You must cook copious amounts and ensure that your house is spotless and presentable. Additionally, you need to make sure sleeping accommodations are comfortable and take measures to guarantee that essential necessities are in place. One thing that is seldom ever thought about is making certain your hot water heater can endure the strain of family gatherings. If you are hosting a large family gathering this year, you need to add your hot water heater to your list of preparations and follow the tips below.
1. Insulate Your Pipes and Your Hot Water Tank
Insulating your water heater and the pipes leading to it will also minimize strain. When your hot water heater and its associated pipes are insulated, this allows the heat to better remain inside the tank and pipes so the water heater will work less to keep the water hot. You can procure a special blanket to wrap around your hot water tank and foam to insulate your pipes.
2. Flush Out the Sediment
Over time, sediment builds up in your hot water heater. If it is allowed to build up, sediment can lead to problems such as pipe clogging and performance issues. To make certain that your hot water heater performs at its best during your family gatherings, it is essential that you flush out your hot water heater. To flush out your hot water heater, you must do the following:
- Turn off the gas or electricity.
- Give your water heater time to cool off.
- Turn off your water supply.
- Turn on your hot water in any of your faucets to prevent a vacuum effect and enable your tank to drain much easier.
- Connect one end of a hose to the drain valve on your hot water heater and put the other end of the hose in a large bucket, laundry sink, or out of a window or door if one is nearby.
- Open the drain valve and allow the water to flow until none is left. If you are using a bucket, you will have to empty it several times before the process is complete.
- Flush out your hot water tank by turning on the cold-water supply and allowing it to drain. Follow this step a few times to ensure that all sediment is removed from the tank.
- Shut the drain valve.
- Turn on the water supply and allow the hot water heater to refill.
- Turn your water heater on again.
3. Have an Inspection
Before hosting a large family gathering, it is essential to have a licensed plumber perform an inspection on your hot water heater. The plumber will be able to determine whether your hot water heater can handle the strain. If problems are spotted that will prevent your hot water heater from performing at its best, the plumber will work with you to craft a plan to remediate such problems.
4. Replace Your Hot Water Heater If Necessary
During the inspection, the plumber may determine that your hot water heater is out of date or there are significant problems present that can pose safety hazards. If either situation occurs, your hot water heater will need to be replaced.
Before your guests show up at your home for the holidays or another gathering, you need to make sure that your hot water heater is ready. For help with your water heater, contact the skilled team at Smart Plumber & Rooters in Santa Clara, CA.
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