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What is the proper way to maintain a hot water heater?

We have an 80 gal hot water heater and after just 2 wash loads and 2 showers, we're out of hot water. My husband has never drained off any sediment (I think you're supposed to do that), and I have no idea how old it is. What maintenance is supposed to be done on a hot water heater and how can we improve its performance?

3 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Near the bottom of the water heater you should have a valve that you can hook a garden hose to, First hook a garden hose to this valve and open it, keep the water supply on, this will force all the sediment out of the drain. I would let it run for about 20 minutes. Also you want to make sure that the heating elements are still good if it is an electric water heater. You should flush you water heater about every 6 months.

  • ?
    Lv 4
    4 years ago

    is this all of sudden or has it continuously been like that? If its continuously been like that then the tank is only too small on your desires. there's a tank someplace. would not sound such as you have a type of instantaneous set ups. This tank is probably thank you to small on your desires. additionally, this tank is being heated via flames from employing oil. So particular, warm water comes from the warmers or flame. Tankless platforms are common on each line of the abode. which potential, you have extra effective than one. extra like 2 or 3 in the abode. this is why i think of you have a tank someplace, its only too small on your desires. One suggestion is to get low circulate bathe heads. a minimum of showers might stay warm. The tank probably runs out of warm water in the past its able to reheat the hot water getting into the tank. advise 2. Get a huge-unfold water heater or extra effective storage tank for the oil setup you have. no ought to run the two if the two can furnish the quantity of warm water you choose. certainly, in case you purchase a great sufficient oil tank this is going to shop the water warm. in case you purchase a great sufficient huge-unfold water heater this is going to shop the water warm. yet no ought to run the two in case you are able to nonetheless do the job.

  • 1 decade ago

    If it is electric, I'd bet money the bottom element needs to be replaced.

    Anyway, depending on the mineral contents of your water, bleeding off the drain valve at the bottom of the tank monthly or once a quarter. Probably only a couple gallons, just until it runs clear.

    Every three years check your anode rod, if you have an easy to remove one.

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