How to Prevent Your Conventional Hot-Water Heater System from Tanking

21 December 2016
 Categories: , Blog


If you use the conventional tank hot-water heaters, you know how they can break without warning. Water heater overflows or leaks can cause severe damages. Here are the preventive measures you need to apply:

Look for an expansion

You need to look for an expansion tank that's required by plumbing codes for the closed plumbing systems. Running water heaters operating on closed systems without an expansion tank damages both the heater as well as other appliances.

Before installing a cold-water line, you must pressurize your expansion tank with air. Make sure that the air pressure matches the water pressure. Any variance will damage the heater.

Check the water pressure

One way of preventing your system from tanking is checking the water pressure at the hose bib or drain valve. If it's over 80 pounds per square inch, you need to install a quality pressure-reducing valve. You need a plumber to do the installation for you.

To protect your appliances, set your pressure reducing valve at 50-60 psi.

Drain and flush

Another way of preventing your conventional system from tanking is turning off your cold-water supply and then opening the drain valve. To do this, you need to open the pressure/temperature relief valve. Next, drain 2-3 gallons of water. Is the water milky? If yes, then you need to drain the entire tank.

After that, close the drain valve. Next, unlock the cold-water supply faucet. Open the hot-water valve and allow hot water to run three minutes. This makes sure that all air comes out from the tank prior to operating it again.

Inspect valves

Inspecting pressure and temperature-relief valves is the other thing you can do to prevent tanking. While at it, make sure you handle the procedure as per instructions contained on the label. If the water pressure is too high, valves tend to drip. They'll also do the same because of thermal expansion on closed plumbing system.

Check the state of the anode rod

The anode rod does two things—it extends your water heater's life and reduces corrosion. Therefore, you must make sure that it is always in top shape. Hire a plumber to check it for you after every three years. The frequency depends on the local weather conditions. If the conditions are harsh, he or she should check it regularly. This is because harsh weather conditions have a tendency of harming the anode rod.

You need a professional plumber to conduct an annual tune-up on your conventional hot-water heater system. By doing what's been highlighted above, you'll surely prevent your water heater from tanking.


Share