A water heater is one appliance that many people don't think about when inside their home.  Silently working 24 hours a day, a water heater provides hot water for your showers, dishwasher and even faucets. Since a water heater can go bad just like any other appliance, it's important to know how to maintain one.

By following these simple steps below, not only will your water heater last a lot longer, you can potentially extend the life of it as well:

Check the Pressure Valve
The pressure relief valve is what prevents your water heater from over-pressurizing and even exploding.  To ensure that the value is running properly, these are steps that you'll want to follow:

• Always make sure that you turn the electricity off to the water heater.  If you have a gas water heater, make sure that the gas is turned off.
• Locate the cold-water inlet on the water heater, and turn it off.
• Locate the pressure relief valve, and place a small bucket underneath to catch any water that leaks through.
• On the valve, there should be a trip lever.  Pull this trip lever, and after doing so, you should hear a sound of air coming out.
• Listen for this air. If you hear air, it means your valve is in great shape. If you don't hear it, you'll probably want to get it replaced.

Flush the Tank
Sediment can build up in your tank over time.  This is why it's extremely important to flush your tank in order to not only reduce this sediment, but prolong the water heater as well.

• Turn off all electricity and gas that is running to the water heater.
• Shut off the inlet that is going to the water heater.
• Locate the drain valve, and connect a garden hose to this valve.
• Take the other end of the hose and make sure that you have it located where water can release.  Remember that some of the water that comes out of the hose can be extremely hot.
• Open up the pressure release valve, and allow the tank to drain.  Be sure to be patience as the whole tank is emptied.
• After the tank has been drained, close the valve and disconnect the hose.

Please remember that if you don't feel comfortable with maintaining a water heater, it's best to call in a professional, reputable plumber.  Maintaining your water heater won't only prolong the life of it, it's going to save you money in the long run as well.

For water heater installation and repair in Orlando contact Shamrock Plumbing today for more information of water heater installation and repair.