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General maintenance
You probably won’t realize your water heater is
about to fail — or appreciate all of your uses for
hot water — until the unit fails. It often happens
suddenly. That’s because rust and limestone
sediment attack your water heater from the
inside. As a result, even a failing water heater
may look perfectly fine on the outside.
Though steel water heater tanks often have
a glass lining designed to prevent rust, small
openings may develop in the lining due to
temperature fluctuations that cause it to
expand and contract. Water eventually gets
into the lining and then contacts the tank and
causes it to rust.
Heated water also causes the formation
of limestone in the water heater tank. The
limestone settles in the bottom of the tank.
In both electric and gas water heaters, the
limestone eventually diminishes its ability
to heat water.
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep your
water heater functioning properly and to extend
its useful life.
HOME TIP: Switch off the breaker that
provides electricity to the water heater if
you are gone from home for an extended
period of time. This will reduce electricity
use and help preserve the heating element.
Testing the pressure relief valve
Limestone can clog the pressure relief valve.
Test the valve once a year to ensure its proper
function. Follow these steps:
1. Ensure the water tank is full.
2. Ensure the valve connects to a pipe directed
down and away from the tank. Failure to do
so could cause spraying of scalding water
if excessive pressure causes the valve to
release water.
3. Set a bucket beneath the drainpipe.
4. Lift the handle slightly to open the valve. Be
careful, as the valve will release hot water.
Also, see Electrical Troubleshooting (Page 14).
Draining the water heater
Drain the water heater annually to remove built-
up sediment. Removing all sediment, especially
if you haven’t drained the water heater
regularly, may require multiple attempts.
Before draining the water heater make
sure it’s full of water.
