Cleaning Hot Water Heater?
Answers:
Is your water heater GAS or ELECTRIC? Both types will sometimes "tell" you that they need to be CLEANED.
The Gas type water heater,in need of cleaning, will at times make a fairly LOUD gurgling noise .generally soon after hot water has been used...
An ELECTRIC water heater, in need of cleaning, will generally emit a softer noises.or none at all.another sign is the lower heater element will burn out every 6 months or so.causing a low supply of hot water .
Most, but not all, water heaters are installed with a cutoff valve ...located at the inlet of the water heater tank... (usually on the top) ...Note:(the inlet is the cold one, to the touch)...if and when you are using any hot water...
This is NOT an EASY chore... the "BUILDUP" (the solid clumps that need to be removed)...such as... lime, calcium, minerals, rust etc..clog up the drain outlet...time after time...MOST PEOPLE should NOT attempt to do it.ESPECIALLY with the water heater still inside your home.
A Professional will generally "backflush" the system.. this will get out MOST of the solids,,,, but he has the tools and knowledge to do it..
All things considered >> if you are going to do it yourself...
YOU might just consider getting a new water heater.Or a couple of BIG MOPS and BUCKETS!
Other answers:
The MAIN might even be outside the house. The one behind the toilet is just for the toilet in most cases. Even when you shut the water off I don't think there is a way to clean the units. Your problem is probably a burned out element. Have that checked out by an electrician or someone that can use a meter. Good Luck. TC
The MAIN might even be outside the house. The one behind the toilet is just for the toilet in most cases. Even when you shut the water off I don't think there is a way to clean the units. Your problem is probably a burned out element. Have that checked out by an electrician or someone that can use a meter. Good Luck. TC
This one can be very tricky. If you have an older house, there might be a water valve somewhere near your hose spigot. It will look just like any other outdoor spigot, except it will go from the groung to the wall, it doesnt have a faucet on it or anything. Before you try doing this, turn the spigot off, then check for water pressure in the house. If there isnt any, your good, if not, you may want to talk to a professional. Hope this helps. In addition, you may need to just adjust the thermostat on your water heater. BTW, its just called a water heater. Theres no ned to heat hot water. ;-)
water main is usually under a round cover in the yard, where the meter reader reads the meter. here is a url that might help accomplish the job too, good luck
There should be an in ground box holding the meter and a shut off. That's where you need to begin.
You don't state the age or condition of the heater,,,and by the way,,, No Offense to anyone who says it as you did, but it isn't a HOT WATER HEATER,,,It's a Water Heater that gives us water that is HOT.
Emptying the heater tank is a good idea anyway, and should be checked occasionally.
The lack of hot water or the duration may be in the heating coil if elect. or clogged or damaged valves if gas.
Elec. Heaters most often have two adjusting dials and both should be checked, They act as thermostats. To save money you may turn them both to lower temps.
Again, the age and condition of the unit may be the impact... You also don't state its size or your hot water useage.
Rev. Steven