A change in weather? Cooler temps and rain ahead? When the rain and cool weather come our water heaters seems to go on haywire or just stop working altogether. What does the rain have to do with a water heating going out. Well it doesn't have soo much to do with the rain as it has more to do with low pressure weather systems, these low pressure weather systems bring the rain but also affect the atmospheric pressure in our plumbing systems. The plumbing systems (standard water heaters specifically) expand and contract based on the changes in weather. The water heater then is always going through these cycles of expanding and contracting and eventually as it ages just gives way. So how can we extend the life of our water heater? Well there's a few things we can do to avoid future problems. First try to check the temperature pressure relief valve (T&P Valve) for proper operation. The purpose of the valve is to open and evacuate water if the pressure or temperature inside the tank gets higher than it should. Malfunctioning valves usually suffer from mineral deposit build up or are simply old and have never been used causing the internal components to fail. To test the valve simply locate it (usually found on the side of the water heater up high toward the top) and lift the small level out so that it is pointing toward you. If working properly water should be evacuated from the heater out to a drain line away from the unit. Next is flushing the water heater at least once a year, just connect a garden hose to the drain line of the heater turn off the water the house and open the drain line. This should push out any mineral build up inside the tank. Lastly, replace the anode rod in the heater, these rods are designed to attract the minerals that can damage the water heater, however they do have a life span and if you don't get started on replacing these from when you got the new water heater then its best to leave them alone because an old anode rod that you try to replace can actually deteriorate upon removal and leave an even nastier build up in the heater. Maintenance is the best way to keep your water heater working great all year round.
