As temperatures start to drop during the winter months, it’s important to take steps to protect your home’s plumbing system, including your water heater. Winterizing your water heater can help prevent freezing, corrosion, and other damage that can lead to costly repairs. Here’s what you need to know about how to winterize your water heater.
Turn off the Power or Gas Supply
The first step to winterizing your water heater is to turn off the power or gas supply to the unit. For electric water heaters, simply turn off the circuit breaker that powers the unit. For gas water heaters, turn off the gas supply valve located near the unit.
Drain the Tank
Once the power or gas supply is turned off, the next step is to drain the tank. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the tank and run the other end of the hose to a drain or outside. Open the drain valve and allow the tank to completely empty.
Turn off the Water Supply
After draining the tank, turn off the water supply to the unit. This is typically done by turning off the valve located on the cold water supply line.
Open a Faucet
Open a hot water faucet in your home to allow air to enter the system and help the water tank drain more quickly.
Add Insulation
To help prevent freezing, consider adding insulation to the water heater and any exposed pipes. You can use pipe sleeves or foam insulation tape to cover the pipes, and a water heater blanket to wrap the tank.
Close Drain Valve and Faucet
Once the tank is completely drained, close the drain valve and the hot water faucet you opened earlier.
Turn off the Water Heater
Finally, turn off the water heater’s temperature control and thermostat, and turn off the power or gas supply completely.
By following these steps to winterize your water heater, you can help protect it from damage and ensure it’s ready to use when temperatures start to warm up again. Remember to always follow manufacturer instructions and consult with a professional plumber if you have any questions or concerns.
Additional Tips for Winterizing Your Water Heater
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when winterizing your water heater:
- If you have a gas water heater, be sure to turn off the pilot light before turning off the gas supply valve.
- If your water heater is located in a garage or other unheated area, consider installing a space heater to help keep the area warm and prevent freezing.
- If you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time during the winter months, consider completely draining and shutting off the water supply to your home to prevent any potential water damage from frozen pipes.
- Remember to flush and refill your water heater tank before using it again in the spring. Flushing the tank can help remove any sediment or debris that may have accumulated during the winter months.
- Consider having your water heater inspected and serviced by a professional plumber before the start of the winter season to ensure it’s in good working condition.
By taking the time to properly winterize your water heater, you can help protect it from damage and ensure it’s ready to use when you need it. Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions and consult with a professional plumber if you have any questions or concerns. With proper maintenance and care, your water heater can provide reliable hot water for years to come.
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