Do You Like Taking Hot Showers and Baths?

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

Make sure you are checking your water heater regularly for Corrosion, Leaking, Rust, and Soot damage.

Here at SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda we know how stressful the clean up and restoration can be for a house with both small and major hot water leaks. If you do have a leak with damage to your house our team is trained and ready to help.

Feel free to call the experts at SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda at 916-991-1522.

But we would like to help keep your water heater from getting that bad in the first place. Here are some ways to potentially prolong the life of your water heater and keep those shower’s and baths nice and hot.

Ask Yourself These Questions:

1. Where is Your Water Heater is Located?

Sometimes a water heater is tucked away in a closet in the attic or there is no access to it because of items being stored around it. You want both the water heater and plumbing to it as easy to reach as possible and to clear a path to it.

2. Is There Space Around Your Water Heater?

First, if your unit starts to leak you will not catch it very quickly if you can’t see it or don’t know where it is. Thus causing worsening damage to your house, this can include hazardous mold.Second, Items to close to the unit can be a fire hazard.Last, a gas-fired unit needs a good supply of oxygen to burn gas. Without sufficient oxygen it could cause damage to the burner chamber, affect how well it is working, and even cause a carbon monoxide leak.

3. Do You Know What Type of Water Heater You Have?

You should know if your water heater’s a storage or tankless type. If it uses electric, natural gas, or propane.Know the age and gallon capacity.Know the model number, serial number, and brand.

4. How Do You Turn Off the Water to Your Water Heater?

This is important to know before an emergency situation happens. There should be a gas valve or a disconnect switch within a few feet of the water heater. You should also know where your main gas shut-off valve is. Sometimes turning off the main gas shut-off is safer, like in a gas leak situation. Also make for sure you know where any special tools you may need to shut off the valve are located.

5. Have You, or Do You Know How to Drain/Flush Your Water Heater?

You should drain a few gallons of water out of your water heater at least once a year. If you notice any sediment or debris, then a flush is recommended. To flush you will need to turn the temperature down and completely drain the tank. Then turn the water back on while the drain is open and let the water flow for a minute or more to help remove any lingering sediment or debris. Once draining is done and water is debris free, refill the tank, and turn the thermostat back to desired setting.

6. Last, Have You Completed an Annual Water Heater Inspection?

An annual inspection might even be what catches a pesky leak you didn’t know existed.Start with the top of the water heater, is there any leaks, or bad corrosion on the valves and pipes? Check the thermostat and area below the thermostat. Look and see if you notice soot, charred metal, or any black residue. If you have a gas water heater check the draft hood and make sure it is placed properly, with a few inches of air space between the tank and where the vent connects. If you ever smell gas, turn off gas supply immediately and contact a professional. If you have an electric water heater and notice signs of leaking make sure there aren’t any more signs abound the upper and lower panels covering the electrical components.

We Are Here For You!

Between professional fire water and mold services, or preventative tips. SERVPRO of North Highlands & Rio Linda is here to provide 24/7 damage services. Call us at (916) 991-1522, or visit our website for more information here.