The water heater is an imperative part of the home but many people take it for granted and does not pay attention to it till it stops working. The cold water brings us back to reality and this is when we desperately look for a plumber or rush to the market to buy a new boiler. You can avoid this by regular maintenance and ensure preventive measures. Without the maintenance, the boiler system can fall prey to rust and sediment. The heated water can also lead to the formation of calcium carbonate. It settles to the bottom of the tank and reduces the heating efficiency. To keep your boiler operational for a long time, you need to carry out regular maintenance.

How to Drain and Clean the Tank

You need to make sure that you drain the tank once a year. This ensures that the rust, sediment and calcium carbonate does not settle on the bottom of the tank. Before starting the process of draining and cleaning the tank, make sure that you shut off the gas and electricity of the heater. After that, attach the garden hose to the boiler. Close the incoming water valve and release the pressure valve to break the vacuum. Open the drain valve to drain the water from the boiler. When you are finished draining the boiler, reverse the process and do not turn on the gas till the tank is refilled with water. If your boiler is located in the basement and the gravity flow prevents the water from draining, you need to buy a small electric pump. With the help of an electric pump, you will be able to drain the tank easily. Certain safety measures need to be adapted when you are cleaning the tank. One small miscalculation can deem fatal and to avoid all this, you need to hire a company that is accustomed to Boiler installation in West London. The professionals of such companies complete the work by keeping industry and safety standards in mind.

How to Change the Anode Rod

Anode rod is another crucial part of the boiler system. The anode rod attracts the charged particles of the water and keeps the boiler safe from rust. When you have drained the water from the tank, make sure that you check the anode rod in the tank. Anode rod has a life of 5 to 10 years but cleaning the rod will increase its life. If the rod still looks dirty, you need to replace the rod which can be easily purchased from the plumbing shop. To replace the anode rod, shut off the incoming cold water from the top of the tank. After that, unscrew the nut on the top of the tank that suspends the rod. Clip the new rod, and tighten the nut. Open the cold valve again. You can get help from water heater repair dallas.

Pressure relief valve should also be checked during the annual maintenance. Pressure relief valve is used to direct the water down in case of extreme pressure. The valve should be opened once a year to make sure that they are not clogged with calcium carbonate. You need to make sure that you put a container on the drainpipe to save water from spills. If the valve does not release or does not completely shut off, then there is a strong possibility that it is corroded and you need to replace it. It is a very sensitive element and preventive measures need to be taken during the replacement process. If you are not aware of the mechanism of a boiler, then you need to take help from the West London plumber boiler installation companies.