Tulsa Water Heater Repair & Replacement Services

TULSA WATER HEATER REPAIR SERVICES

If your water heater doesn’t seem to be delivering as much hot water in the winter, it may not have anything to do with cold temperatures. Fresh water does cool off in the winter, but if your water heating appliance is fully functional, the incoming temperature shouldn’t matter .Most problems with heating water occur when the heater:

Needs flushing.

The most common cause of high water heating bills and premature tank failure are the hard water deposits that collect at the bottom of the tank. A few won’t interfere with water heating, but if there are too many, the heating process will slow, especially in gas water heaters. A gas water heater heats from the bottom only, and when that surface is covered with hard water deposits, there won’t be as much hot water.Most electric units have two heating elements. One sits close to the bottom of the tank and the other near the top. If the bottom is covered with solids, the water won’t heat as well. One of the heating elements may also not be working and needs replacing.

Has a broken dip tube.

The dip tube is made from plastic that can become brittle and break over time. This tube connects to the cold water inlet and sends the water to the bottom of the tank where it heats up. If it’s broken, the cold water stays at the top of the tank and the water you get won’t feel as hot.

Needs insulation to combat cold temperatures.

If the tank feels hot to the touch, consider wrapping an insulation blanket around it to keep the heat inside longer.

Is too small.

If your family size has changed, someone’s taking longer showers, or you’re washing more clothes in hot water might force you to install a bigger water heater.Some of these water heater maintenance tasks might be better done by a pro. If you’d like assistance, contact Air Assurance, providing HVAC and plumbing services for Broken Arrow.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Water Heater Maintenance Can Affect Your HVAC

If you have a forced-air central HVAC system and a gas water heater like many area homes, and you're looking for ways to save energy, you need to understand that there's a maintenance correlation between the two. What this means is when you're taking steps to boost the efficiency of your HVAC, you'll waste potential savings if you ignore water heater maintenance.

Why Water Heater Maintenance is Important

When it comes to home comfort, your HVAC system and water heater are two necessities you rely on daily. They're also the two biggest energy users in most households. Just as twice-yearly maintenance is vital to keep your HVAC operating efficiently, it's essential for your water heater too.Having your water heater serviced regularly by an experienced professional not only helps with efficiency, but it also keeps the appliance running reliably and can prolong its lifespan too. Here are some key maintenance tasks that a pro will tackle:

• Testing the T&P valve. This valve needs to be fully functional so excess pressure/hot water can exit the tank. If it's seized up, it should be replaced to prevent a dangerous rupture or explosion.

• Checking/replacing the anode rod. This metal rod is in place to attract corrosion so it doesn't eat away at the tank material. Eventually, the rod will disintegrate, so it should be checked routinely and replaced as needed.

• Flushing sediment from the tank. Some minerals present in water form into sediment particles during the heating process, then settle to the tank bottom. Draining, flushing and refilling the tank every year is necessary to clear out sediment so it doesn't affect the unit's energy efficiency, or cause it to fail prematurely.

• Inspecting the tank for corrosion. If your plumber finds considerable rust development along the tank's seams and at various connections, it can be a sign that your water heater might start leaking or even rupture unexpectedly. If the appliance is badly rusted, having a new water heater installed will probably be recommended.

To schedule HVAC system or water heater maintenance in your Broken Arrow home, contact us at Air Assurance today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Understanding the Importance of Flushing Sediment from Your Water Heater

In many homes, the water heater is the most frequently replaced major appliance. Average service life can be up to 12 years — or as few as five or six. Two main factors influence the life expectancy of water heaters:

• The hardness (mineral content) of the local water supply.

• Annual maintenance including flushing the tank.

The hardness of water in the Tulsa/Broken Arrow area varies from “moderately hard” to “hard” on the national water hardness scale. While this mineral content is harmless to humans, it can shorten the life of water heaters and raise monthly costs substantially.Heated inside the water heater, dissolved minerals precipitate and sink to the bottom of the tank, forming an increasing layer of sediment. Sediment accumulation absorbs heat from the burner, causing the burner to run longer cycles. Energy consumption spikes and monthly bills increase. In addition, sediment in the tank and extended burner cycles degrade the integrity of the tank and liner, triggering leakage that requires early heater replacement.

Flushing the tank yearly removes sediment while it still can be removed—before it becomes rock hard. The process is doable for most people, or a local plumbing professional can handle it while also verifying safe water temperature, testing the pressure relief valve and looking for signs of leakage. Here's how flushing the tank can be done:

• Turn off the heater at the gas valve and shut the cold water inlet valve on top of the tank.

• Connect one end of a garden hose to the tank drain valve and place the other end outside in the yard.

• Open the drain valve and allow the tank to drain. Holding open the spring-loaded pressure relief valve also admits air into the tank and expedites draining.

• After the tank is empty, turn the cold water valve on and off rapidly several times to flush out remaining sediment.

• Close the drain valve and remove the hose.

• Open the cold water inlet valve and follow manufacturer’s procedures to re-light the heater.

Ask the professionals at Air Assurance about annual service to extend the life of the water heater and ensure optimum efficiency.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Minerva Studio/Shutterstock”

Lower Your Energy Bill by Lowering Your Water Heater Temperature

In today's world, saving even a few dollars a month is important, and so is being "green" in your home. You may not have realized this, but lowering your water heater temperature, even by just 10 degrees, can make a positive impact on your energy bill as well as the environment.On most traditional water heaters, the water is warmed using gas or electricity, then stored in a tank and maintained at the temperature that you have set. The amount of electricity or gas needed to keep this temperature constant is higher when the temperature is increased.

What is it Set for Currently?

Your water heater temperature is typically set at about 140 degrees when it comes from the manufacturer. This high temperature is not only unnecessary for most households, but it can be downright dangerous. When the temperature is set this high, turning on only the hot water with a faucet can scald skin, especially for children and the elderly.

A temperature of 120 degrees is recommended for most households, though 130 degrees can be used for those that have dishwashers that aren't capable of heating their own water.

How Do I Change it?

Thankfully, turning the water heater temperature down isn't difficult, and is something that most people are able to do on their own. Just follow these simple steps.

For gas heaters, locate the control dial somewhere on the outside of the unit. On electric heaters, there may be two dials - one at the top and another at the bottom, which need to be turned separately, but evenly. If there are no temperature indications on the dials, then turn the knobs a little at a time, wait about two hours, and test the water from the tap nearest the water heater by pouring it into a cup and checking the temperature with a thermometer.

For more information about how to save money on your electric bill by lowering your water heater temperature, as well as other expert advice about heating and cooling your home, contact us today. Air Assurance proudly serves the greater Tulsa metropolitan area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Serenethos/Shutterstock”

Keep Your Appliance in Tip-Top Shape With Water Heater Maintenance

You may not give your water heater much thought until the shower turns cold, or a repair or replacement is needed. However, the water heater is an important appliance that is used daily in practically every home. Consider these water heater maintenance tips to raise the performance of your system and lower your utility bill.

Water Heater Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps your water heater operate safely and efficiently. When maintaining your system, remember that you're not only dealing with very hot water, but also high pressure. Water heaters have a built-in safety feature called the temperature and pressure (T&P) valve. This device should be checked at least every six months. Here's how:

• Turn off the electricity at the circuit box or turn the gas to pilot.

• Turn off the cold water inlet valve, which is located near the top of the water heater on the side. A pipe may extend from the valve to near the bottom of the water heater.

• Place a bucket beneath the pipe to catch hot water.

• Pull the lever on the valve. Air and hot water should rush out. If it does not, replace the valve.

• If you ever notice the valve dripping water, replace it.

Refer to your owner's manual for flushing the tank. Many manufacturer's suggest flushing the water heater twice a year. This is best left to a professional. In between full tank flushes, perform a mini flush every month. Place a bucket beneath the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and flush about one gallon of water. This helps remove sediment and preserve water heater lining.

Water Heater Efficiency

To help your water heater operate more efficiently, set the temperature to 120 degrees. You may also insulate the inlet and outlet pipes. Newer water heaters are well insulated to curb standby heat loss. If your water heater is warm to the touch, consider installing a blanket or jacket insulation.

If you have questions or would like to schedule water heater maintenance in your Broken Arrow area home, contact Air Assurance today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “thodonal88/Shutterstock”

Ways to Pinpoint Water Heater Problems

water heater repairs - tulsa, ok

If you own your house long enough, you’ll probably face water heater problems at some point. The mean average service life of a residential water heater is about 10 years, so the odds are most homeowners will experience water heater symptoms that require either professional plumbing expertise to repair or install a new replacement unit. Look for these signs of water heater problems, then contact a qualified plumber as soon as possible.

No Hot Water

In a gas-fired heater, check to see if the pilot light is lit. If it’s not, follow manufacturer’s instructions to relight it. If it goes out again, contact a plumber. If the water heater is electric, check the unit’s power switch as well as your main electrical panel. A tripped circuit breaker usually indicates a specific cause, so contact your plumber if the heater’s circuit breaker trips repeatedly.

Water Not Hot Enough

Check the water heater thermostat setting. It should be no higher than 120 degrees. If the thermostat is correct but water temperature remains low, suspect a deteriorated dip tube that allows cold water to flow into the upper part of the tank. Your plumber may be able to replace that part alone.

Discolored Hot Water

Rusty hot water may indicate internal tank corrosion, a sign the heater is approaching the end of its service life and requires replacement. Muddy-colored water may be a sign of mineral sediment inside the tank which can be resolved by flushing the tank.

Popping or Bubbling Sounds

Another indication of sediment accumulation that causes uneven heating and produces bubbles inside the tank. Ask your plumber about the problem. If sediment hasn’t yet hardened, it may be removed from the tank by flushing.

Water Leakage

Evidence of water leakage around the heater may be the result of a leaky temperature and pressure relief valve–an easy component replacement for a qualified plumber—or a corroded tank, which means immediate replacement of the heater.

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For professional advice about water heater problems and qualified plumbing service to solve them, contact Air Assurance in Broken Arrow.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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Lower Your Water Heating Bills With These Tips This Summer

With summer temperatures reaching more than 90 degrees, Broken Arrow summers cost so much in air conditioning. That means any other area where we can save energy is worth investigating, and water heating is one of those areas. Take steps to lower water heating bills now and you'll save all year.

Cut Back Your Hot Water Use

Showers are one of the biggest sources of hot water use in most households, so having low-flow shower heads installed is an effective way to save. Look for WaterSense labeled models. They've been tested to use around 20 percent less water than standard shower heads and perform as well as or betters. For optimal performance, have your shower heads professionally installed.

Switching to WaterSense faucets in your kitchen and bath will also help you trim hot water use and lower water heating bills. These faucets use around 30 percent less water than standard faucets.

Use cold water rinses for your all your laundry needs. You'll save energy and protect your clothes from damage.

Boost Your Water Heater's Efficiency

If your water heater feels warm when you touch it, it's losing energy and should be insulated with a water heater insulation blanket. Also install pipe wrap insulation on the first 6 feet of both water pipes that connect to your water heater.

Every three months, flush the sediment from your water heater's tank to maintain the system's efficiency and protect it from damage. Water heaters last around 10 to 15 years, but they drop in efficiency after about seven years. If yours is this old, it may be time to upgrade to a new water heater. Today's water heaters are more efficient than those made just 10 years ago.

When you're ready to upgrade, consider a tankless on-demand system rather than a conventional storage tank system. If you use 41 gallons of water a day or less, a tankless system could save you up to 34 percent over a conventional system.

For more ideas on how to lower water heating bills, contact us at Air Assurance in the Broken Arrow area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Mile Atanasov/Shutterstock”

Energy-Saving Tips for Your Tulsa Home This Spring

Now that spring weather is here, you have a golden opportunity to make some energy-wise changes before another hot summer arrives. The following home energy-saving tips can help you keep consumption and costs under control and boost your comfort too.

• Get your air conditioner tuned up. Scheduling A/C maintenance with your HVAC contractor before you start it up for the season guarantees it's ready and able to keep your home comfortable when the temperatures soar. To keep your cooling system operating at maximum efficiency, remember to check the air filter every month and change it as needed.

• Upgrade to a programmable thermostat. If you're still using a manual thermostat, talk to your HVAC pro about the benefits of switching to a programmable model. You'll learn that it's the most convenient way to schedule daily eight-hour, 10-to 15-degree temperature setbacks and save energy.

• Have your ducts sealed and insulated. A knowledgeable HVAC specialist will also advise that sealing your ducts can stop the loss of up to 30 percent of your A/C's cooling output. By having the seams and joints sealed with foil-backed tape, and wrapping the ducts with R-6 insulation, you'll see a drop in energy consumption and an increase in comfort.

• Increase your water heating efficiency. The sediment that builds up in your tank during the normal heating process can erode energy efficiency and even ruin the appliance. Having the tank flushed twice a year to get rid of the accumulation can keep it operating efficiently. While it's being serviced, have the water heater thermostat dialed to 120 degrees and add an insulated jacket if it's an older model.

• Check your attic insulation. Have a pro measure the insulation level on your attic floor and, if necessary, get extra installed to bring it up to the recommended minimum of R-49. If it hasn't been done already, make sure your access hatch is insulated on the attic side and properly sealed to stop conditioned air losses.

For more home energy-saving tips, contact Air Assurance. We've helped make life more comfortable for Broken Arrow area homeowners since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “patrimonio-designs-ltd/Shutterstock”

Steps to Take When Fixing a Leaking Water Heater

If you’ve spotted a leaking water heater or water pooling around it, you should take action right away. Leaks don’t necessarily doom your water heater to the recycle bin, but determining if the leak is repairable or if your water heater should be replaced is paramount. Here are some steps to take when identifying and fixing a leaking water heater.

Fixing a Leaking Water Heater

Any water leak in the home is an important matter to address quickly. Fixing a leaking water heater as soon as the leak is spotted can prevent water and mold damage. It may be a safety factor in some instances.

• Temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve: The T&P relief valve prevents your water heater from rupturing or exploding in the event too much pressure builds up in your water heater. Fixing a leaky T&P relief valve is a job for a plumbing professional. Do not attempt to cap or plug one yourself.

• Gaskets: Electric water heaters contain one or two heating elements. These heating elements are threaded into your water heater and sealed with gaskets. If water is leaking from failing gaskets, your entire water heater needs to be drained for the repair.

• Thermostats: The thermostat of a gas-fired water heater is threaded into the tank. Removing and repairing a leaky thermostat is an intricate job best left to a professional.

• Piping: Leaks may also occur at the water heater’s inlet and outlet pipes due to corrosion caused by the chemical reaction of steel connections and copper pipes. To repair the leak or prevent further corrosion, replace the short sections of corroded galvanized pipe with dielectric nipples (i.e. plastic-lined pipe).

• Storage tank: There is one leak that's irreparable. If you see reddish-brown water pooling or running from beneath your water heater, your tank may be rusted and corroded from the inside out. If this is the case, replace the water heater at your earliest convenience.

To learn more about fixing a leaking water heater in your Broken Arrow home, or to schedule an evaluation, please contact Air Assurance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “studio BM/Shutterstock”

Telltale Signs Your Water Heater Needs a Replacement

If your water heater is showing signs off impending death, don't ignore them. The last thing you want is to be mid-shower and find yourself shivering under a stream of cold water. So, just what are the signs your water heater is ready to give up the ghost? 

Signs It's Time to Replace

• Leaks. It's pretty obvious when you see puddles of water under your water heater that something bad is going on. If you can't see where the leak is coming from, chances are that the interior of the tank has deteriorated to the point where the equipment needs to be replaced. Water heaters generally last from six to 10 years, but may last longer if they're regularly drained, flushed and cleared of sediment.

• Water isn't as hot as it should be. If you're setting the thermostat higher and your water is still not hot enough or doesn't last long, corrosion may have destroyed the dip tube or coated electric elements. The gas valve might also be overworked.

• Look for smaller leaks. Check fittings and connections. If you find sludge, water or corrosion, you may need a replacement.

• Pieces of plastic in aerators of sink faucets. This is a sign the dip tube in your water heater has deteriorated and broken apart. This tube forces cold water down to the burners, and when it breaks up, it can be a sign of other problems as well.

If you have a water heater that's just a few years old, it may be worthwhile to track down what's broken and repair everything. Some of the fixes you might encounter:

• Flickering pilot light

• Tripping circuit breaker

• Broken thermostat

• Sticking valve

• Failing burner or heating element

If you do have to replace your water heater, the bright side is that modern models are much more efficient even than they were 10 years ago and you will save money on your utility bills.

To learn more about when you need a water heater replacement, contact the pros at Air Assurance in Broken Arrow.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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The Pros of Having an Anti-Scald Valve on Your Faucet

The Pros of Having an Anti-Scald Valve on Your Faucet

Most people use their water faucets every day, but what most people don't know is that the water that comes out of their faucet can potentially harm them. Without the proper equipment on your water heater you can get third-degree burns from exposure to scalding 150-degree water for just two seconds. Even temperatures of 120 degrees can give you third-degree burns if you are exposed to them long enough. Getting burnt from scalding is so common that 20 percent of all burns are from scalding, so it is important that you take the preventative measures to ensure that you don't hurt yourself.  

One way to prevent these types of burns from occurring is to install an anti-scald valve on your faucet. Anti-scald valves make sure that your water doesn't get too hot so that the water can't get to a temperature that will burn you. How the valve works is that it adds cold water to the hot water going to your faucet, which will then lessen the heat and allow you to have warm but not too warm of temperatures. Because you aren't using up your hot water as fast you can have more hot water to use throughout the day; and by using less hot water you are also saving money.

The next step is to learn how to install the valve. You can install an anti-scald valve in your hot-water line, but you also need a cold-water feed so that you can lower the waters hot temperature. The other method of installation would be to install it directly into your water heater, which can prevent a whole buildings worth of faucets from scalding. It's also important that you use proper maintenance techniques on your water heater so that it can last more than 20 years efficiently.

Safety is an important part of your plumbing needs and we hope that we can further provide you with helpful information. For more information on home plumbing, heating or air conditioning you can visit Air Assurance to contact someone that can help you with the information you're looking for.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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Determine If Your Home's Water Hard or Soft and Learn to Balance

Hard water is an issue that can cause a variety of other problems. Learning to achieve the proper balance of minerals in your home's water is an important task, and can improve many different aspects of your life.

As water travels through the soil, it picks up minerals such as calcium and magnesium. This results in so-called hard water. Depending on where your water comes from and the type of treatment it undergoes at the water treatment center, it will be either hard or soft water. There are several signs that you have hard water:

• Clogged pipes

• A film on bathtub or shower tiles

• Build-up of minerals on faucets

There are several negative effects that hard water can have on your home and your daily activities. These include:

• Poor water flow and low efficiency

• Increase in plumbing repairs

• Dull and limp hair

• Reduced cleaning capabilities of soap

• Reduced clothing life

To combat these effects, you can have a water softener installed in your home. Cation exchange is one of the most common methods of water softening, and involves a process in which ions are exchanged. Water can be softened in a fully automatic process or with an electronic sensor that softens the water, depending on your use. Having the right size water softener is an important part of regulating the hardness of your water. It can make a big difference in how equipment, from your water heater to your washing machine, do their jobs. .

If you have hard or soft water issues, contact us at Air Assurance. We have been providing HVAC services to Broken Arrow and the surrounding area since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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Going on Vacation? Tips for Saving Energy While You Are Away

Vacation season is in full swing, and families from all over are preparing to leave their Broken Arrow home for a few days to enjoy some sun, fun and relaxation. Before leaving, most homeowners take the necessary precautions to ensure their home is locked up safe and sound. However, few think about saving energy while away from home. Ensuring you don’t waste energy while on vacation is just as important as stopping your mail delivery and locking your windows and doors.

Water Heater

Water heaters can be energy wasters if you’re not home to enjoy the comforts of warm water. Fortunately, most models feature a vacation mode that you can simply switch to. For gas models without a vacation mode, turn the setting to pilot. For electric models, you can either switch the water tank off at the breaker or turn the temperature to the lowest setting.

Heating and Cooling

There is no sense in running your air conditioner while you are away, and doing so is simply wasting energy. Saving energy while away from your home will require either turning the A/C off or turning the thermostat up to about 85 degrees during the summer. If you are vacationing during the winter months, set the thermostat to about 50 to 55 degrees. This temperature is warm enough to keep pipes from freezing.

Electronics

Televisions, computers, radios, blu-rays, coffee machines and many other small appliances and electronics are energy vampires that continue to drain energy even when they are turned off. Saving energy while on vacation will require unplugging these items from the outlets. Before you leave, take a walk through your home, unplugging any items that won’t be in use while you’re away.

Saving Energy Tip

Keep drapes, blinds and curtains shut to help prevent the sun's rays from heating your home, while making your house more energy efficient.

For more information about saving energy while you're away on vacation, contact the experts at Air Assurance. We have provided heating, air condition and plumbing services to the Broken Arrow area since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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Get the Upper Hand With Heat Loss This Winter

It's the time of year when we in Broken Arrow can expect to see below freezing temperatures. Instead of paying high energy bills this winter, spend a morning inspecting your home for heat loss.

Here's what to look for:

• Check the areas around doors and windows. If you felt a draft last year, now's the time to fix it. An incense stick produces a fine stream of smoke you can use to pinpoint the leak. If the gaps or holes you find aren't too big, buy a can of insulating foam sealant—it expands inside the wall and keeps cold air out.

• Take a walk around your home's exterior. Be aware of junctions where pipes and wires enter the building. The original insulation may have weathered, shrunk and cracked in these areas, which leads to more heat loss.

• Make sure all the shingles on your home are intact. A spring or summer storm might have damaged your roof. Even if water isn't getting in, cold air still can. If you see something out of place, head to the attic and take a closer look.

• Inside your home, inspect your heater's air filter. Dirty air filters can increase the amount of allergens in your home and reduce the efficiency of your heater. Write down the size, or take a photo with your phone and head to the home improvement store to buy a new one.

• Is your water heater wrapped? Thermally insulating it will reduce your bills. Also, think about turning it down a few degrees—it's another easy way to save money.

• Is the hot water pipe from your water heater insulated? If not, it's losing heat. Pipe insulation is easy to install and doesn't cost much.

• Finally, examine the heater vents around your house (especially in the kitchen.) Debris and dust fall in them, reducing their effectiveness. Pop them out of the floor, take them outside, and shake the dirt out.

If you need help preventing heat loss in your home, contact Air Assurance in Broken Arrow. We want our customers to have a safe and comfortable homes year round.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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Flush the Water Heater: A Simple Process That Will Keep It Going

Flush the Water Heater: A Simple Process That Will Keep It Going

Nowadays, it seems like the price of everything keeps going up. Taking steps to maintain your water heater in your Broken Arrow area home can help you prolong its life and ensure it runs at peak performance, so that you won't have to face a costly replacement anytime soon. You can flush the water heater as one of the steps during your annual maintenance. This should be done to prevent sediment build-up and maintain optimal operation.Flushing the water heater can be done by following these steps:

• Turn off the water supply and shut off power for electrical units.

• Attach a hose to the drain valve (you'll find this located at the bottom of the water heater) and place the end of the hose in an appropriate place for draining water.

• Once you have everything in place open the drain valve and the pressure valve at the top; this will allow water to drain. If the water is clear you can continue. If sediment is still present you may need to allow water back into the water heater and drain again.

• Once finished draining, close the drain and pressure valves, and turn the water supply back on.

• Open a hot water tap to remove air.

• Once the water heater is filled turn on power and set to desired temperature.

• Shut off hot tap that you turned on.

Although you can flush the water heater yourself, you should consider having a professional technician do it. A professional can help you determine how often your water heater should be flushed out and can check for other issues and problems while he or she is performing routine maintenance on your water heater. One important task a maintenance technician will perform is to check the sacrificial anode rod, which protects the tank from corrosion. If it has deteriorated or is coated with calcium it should be replaced.For more information about water heater maintenance or other home comfort issues, please contact Air Assurance. We have been providing the Greater Tulsa Metropolitan Area with great service in heating, air conditioning and plumbing since 1985.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Your Water Heater Needs Seasonal Maintenance: Here's How

Your Water Heater Needs Seasonal Maintenance: Here's How

When the seasons shift and it's time to start thinking about preventive maintenance for your HVAC system, expand your attention a little further to appliances such as your water heater. With regular maintenance, your water heater will run more efficiently, at a lower cost, and at a higher level of safety.Flush the tankDuring normal use, sediments and other material will accumulate in the bottom of your water heater's storage tank. Removing these sediments helps prevent damaging rust and corrosion within your water heater. A clean tank also improves system efficiency, which reduces the amount you pay every month for hot-water expenses.A complete tank flush should be performed as part of seasonal preventive maintenance. You can occasionally perform a smaller-scale flush by following these steps:

1. Locate the drain valve near the bottom of the tank. It will likely look like a faucet or similar type of plumbing fixture.

2. Put an empty bucket under the drain.

3. The drain may have a handle or a large slot in a valve designed to be turned by a flat-blade screwdriver. Turn the handle or slotted valve to start a flow of water into the bucket.

4. Drain a few gallons of water from the tank, then shut off the valve and empty the bucket.

Test temperature and pressure (T&P) valveYou should test T&P valve of your water heater regularly to make sure it works properly. The T&P valve is designed to release internal pressure if the water in the heater gets too hot or develops too much pressure. This prevents the water heater from bursting and causing damage or injury.To test the valve, lift up on the handle and release it. The valve should quickly snap back into place, accompanied by a gurgling sound of water moving into the drain. If the valve returns to position slowly or not at all, have your HVAC technician replace it immediately.HVAC customers in Tulsa and Broken Arrow can count on Air Assurance for reliable, expert HVAC sales, maintenance and repair. Contact us today for more information on maintaining your water heater or to schedule a professional maintenance inspection for your hot-water system.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  Image courtesy of Shutterstock