Hot Water Heater Inspections Greensboro NC

Hot Water Heater Inspections

  • Custom Electric & Plumbing
  • June 21, 2024

Don’t Wait to Schedule Your Yearly Water Heater Check-Up!

Don’t wait for signs of trouble to check your water heater, schedule a routine check-up today! Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and can help prevent unexpected breakdowns. Inspecting the tank and its components can catch any issues early on and saving you time and money in the long run. Make it a habit to check your water heater periodically to ensure it continues to work efficiently and effectively. Keep a log of when your last check-up was, maybe a stickers or on a notepad.

Checking if Your Water Heater is Healthy

  • First check for any leaks or puddles around the base of the tank which could indicate a problem.
  • Test the temperature at the tap and adjust the dial on your tank. Around 120 degrees is optimal.
  • Listen for any strange noises coming from the tank during operation, like gurgling could indicate a that the tank isn’t draining properly.
  • Examine the age of your hot water tank and consider replacement if it’s past its recommended lifespan. Typical life is 8 years.

Tips to Flush Your Water Heater

  • To flush your water heater, first, turn off the power or gas supply and let the water cool down. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and run the hose outside.
  • Open the pressure relief valve and then the drain valve to allow the water to flow out.
  • Let the water run until it appears clear, indicating that sediment has been flushed out.
  • Additional flushing might be necessary to break-up stubborn sediment or buildup.

Vinegar Bath

  • Turn off the water input to your Water Heater
  • Turn off the breaker to your Water Heater on your Electrical Panel
  • Wait for the Water in the Water Heater to cool off before draining the tank
  • Run the hose to a drain or other outlet and drain the tank
  • Using a large wrench remove the water inlet from the Water Heater
  • Then Tighten the drain on the bottom of the tank to prevent drainage
  • Using a funnel, pour 1 Gal of Vinegar into the tank and leave it for up to 6 hours
  • Some old valves might have a steady drip and won’t close all the way. If you reattach the water inlet hose be sure to tighten it down as if you were installing it. The heat and pressure can geyser the water through the top and flood the electrical systems
  • Once finished, drain the tank of the vinegar
  • Cycle water through the tank to flush the system
  • Once there is no more smell re-install the hoses and turn the water back on to fill the tank

*FUN FACT!*  – When Hannibal crossed the Alps in 218 B.C. they did it by pouring hot vinegar onto boulders to break them up so that they could cut paths through the mountains.

About The Editor

Samuel Musgrove

Samuel is an Outdoor Enthusiast and writer from North Carolina who enjoys Hiking and Photography. Covering topics like Outdoor Living, Electrical Code, and Renewable Energy!