Safety Measures For Your Hot Water Tank

An efficient hot water tank is an absolute must in every Edmonton household. But this extremely important home appliance does not get the necessary attention until there’s a serious problem with it and you stop receiving hot water.
Over the years, your hot water tank may produce brownish or smelly water, make noises while heating water, get scalding hot, generate high energy bills, or simply stop producing enough hot water. In order to avoid such problems and dangerous situations and extending the life of your tank, you must follow several safety measures. Here are a few do’s and don’ts that you must keep in mind while maintaining your hot water tank and safeguarding it.
Do’s

1. Flush and drain the tank annually.
2. Flush the tank with 1:1 solution of water and vinegar to remove sturdy minerals and sediments from the inner lining of the tank.
   
3. Check the sacrificial anode rod every 4-5 months. Replace it when you find it to be completely used up.
4. Maintain the temperature between 45°-50°C.
5. Replace the tank if you see cracks or signs of corrosion before the damages become severe and the tank bursts.
6. Insulate the hot water tank and pipes connected to it to prevent energy loss.
7. Lift the handle of the temperature-pressure relief valve every 3-4 months to release excess pressure from the tank.
8. Replace the TPR valve if nothing flows out of the valve when you lift it.
9. Strap your tank to keep it in place.
10. Check the drain valve occasionally and replace if it isn’t in working condition or is corroded.
11. Turn off the cold water supply and main power supply to the tank when going on a vacation.
12. Install expansion tank to prevent excessive pressure build up in the tank.
13. Tighten all the connections of the tank on a timely basis to avoid leaks and tank failure.
14. If you have a gas hot water tank, get the burner cleaned annually.
15. If you smell gas in your home, leave the home and call the fire department and the gas company.
16. Wipe the tank with a dry cloth on a regular basis and keep it clean.

Don’ts

1. Don’t set your hot water heater’s temperature above 50°C.
2. Don’t avoid or ignore various hot water tank problems
   
3. Don’t delay replacing faulty components of your hot water tank.
4. Don’t store combustible or flammable objects in the close vicinity of the tank.
5. Don’t crowd the area around the hot water tank.
   
6. Don’t use cheap components or insulation material in order to save a few bucks.
   

Hot water tanks don’t last forever. Hence, it is imperative to take care of it and follow these safety measures. The best way to keep your tank in its best working condition is by calling our water heater specialists from Hot Water Tank Edmonton. We will check your hot water tank on a regular basis and repair it if there’s a need.