While you are preparing your home for winter, you must also prepare your hot water heater to make sure it continues to function optimally. Steps for getting your hot water heater ready for winter include flushing out your hot water heater, insulating the hot water tank and pipes, checking for rust and corrosion and having your hot water heater inspected.
Flush Your Hot Water Heater
The first step to preparing your hot water heater for winter is to flush it out. Flushing your hot water heater involves emptying out all the hot water that is in the tank and then running cold water to clean out all the sediment and impurities that build up over time. Because flushing the hot water heater involves dealing with water that is extremely hot, it is safest to have a plumber do the job. Experts recommend having the hot water heater flushed once a year. It is a good idea to do this before temperatures drop too much.
Insulate the Tank and Pipes
Once the hot water heater has been flushed, it is now time to insulate the tank and pipes that lead to it. You can insulate your hot water heater tank by wrapping a hot water heater insulation blanket around it that is specially designed for this purpose. You can insulate the pipes that lead to your hot water heater by using insulation foam or sleeves. If you decide to use heat tape, have a plumber apply this for safety reasons as applying heat tape can be dangerous if done incorrectly.
Check for Rust and Corrosion
Inspect your hot water heater carefully. If you see any rust or corrosion anywhere on your tank, valve or pipes, there is a leak present. To resolve this leak, you must call a plumber immediately to make the necessary repairs. This will ensure your hot water heater continues to work properly.
Have Your Hot Water Heater Inspected
Finally, have a plumber thoroughly inspect your hot water heater. The plumber can see if any small problems are present and get those fixed before these can turn serious. It is best to have hot water heater repairs done before the weather gets too cold, because this becomes more difficult as winter progresses.
Do not wait any longer to prepare your hot water heater for winter. Contact Frausto Plumbing immediately as temperatures are dropping quickly and winter is fast approaching. We service clients in the Compton, CA area, and we are eager to work with you.
