Hot water maintenance mistakes

When fixing a new water heater in your home it is advisable that you find a qualified electrical installation expert to do so. Unless you have a solid understanding of electrical connection and installation, DIY is not recommended.

During a water heater installation, there are mistakes that may end up affecting the operation of your equipment. Here are a few mistakes to consider.

Improperly Fitted Relief Valve

Most water heaters feature a pressure and temperature relief valve which opens in case of increased pressure or temperature in the tank. During installation, this valve has to be fitted to the water-tight pipe extending six inches to the floor.

While its common to install the tube improperly or omit the overflow tube, you may be at risk of serious injuries in case the valve opens unexpectedly.

Soldiering of Pipes

It is nearly impossible not to forgo soldiering of pipes when trying to establish the connection between the waterline and the tank. The only concern is that there are DIY homeowners or unqualified electricians who soldier the pies close to the tank.

Many tanks feature plastic fittings which is why you should create an extension where you can soldier the pipes. It's also important to wait until the pipes cool down before attempting to reattach them. This will help to prevent any accidental melting of your fittings.

Pay Attention to Metal Connection

When connecting metal pipes, some electricians fail to pay attention to compatibility issues. A minor difference in the diameter of your pipe can cause significant damage to your water heater. It is such a small mistake that can speeds up corrosion of your water heater pipes.

If you're using copper pipes, it's important that you use copper connectors. If you use a different connector especially galvanized steel, it will cause incompatibility issues, which can eventually affect the strength of your water heater.

Overlooking Safety Precautions

A large number of homeowners tend to overlook important water heater safety precaution during and after installation of the tank. One of the aspects that is often overlooked is dry firing. This process involves turning on a water heater before the tank is full.

By doing this you are at risk of burning out electrical elements. If you have a gas-fired heater, there are high chances that your tank may crack. To avoid such a mistake, you should open the hot water faucets and wait for the water to flow uninterrupted before restarting your unit.

For more information, reach out to a local electrician.


Share