Residential Service & Repair

Moe Plumbing Services has been providing Los Angeles residents with quality plumbing since 1927. In fact, some families have been using us for years across multiple generations.

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Annual Water Heater Maintenance Steps

A residential water heater is an appliance that works consistently without requiring much attention. However, that all changes when it does have a problem, especially when there is no hot water. By performing simple maintenance and ensuring the proper safety precautions, you can save yourself a lot of frustration and discomfort. We offer these tips to you as a courtesy, however, our technicians are more than happy to take care of the ongoing water heater maintenance for you.

Check the Pressure Relief Valve Annually

The pressure relief valve ensures that the water heater does not over-pressurize. This is a very important safety device that prevents the water heater from a dangerous rupture.

In order to perform this check, you will need: 5-gallon bucket, protective eye-wear, like safety goggles.

  1. Make sure that the electricity to the water heater is turned off or turn the gas switch to pilot
  2. Shut-off the cold water supply to the water heater
  3. Place the bucket underneath the pressure relief valve to catch water
  4. Pull the trip lever on the valve. You should hear the vapor exit through the pressure relief valve. If you don't, then you will need to replace the valve

Flush the Water Heater to Remove sediment build-up

A build-up of sediment will reduce your water heater's energy efficiency and can clog your water lines. An annual flush of the tank will avoid these problems and will increase the life of your water heater.

To perform this check, you will need a garden hose,

  1. Make sure that the electricity to the water heater is turned off or turn the gas switch to pilot
  2. Shut off the cold water supply to the water heater
  3. Connect the garden hose to the tank's drain valve
  4. Place the draining end of the hose in an area that won't be damaged by the hot water
  5. With the pressure relief valve open, open the drain valve and allow the tank to drain completely
  6. Close the tank drain valve, disconnect the hose from the valve and close the pressure relief valve
  7. Open all the hot water spigots in the house and turn on the cold water supply to the tank
  8. As water begins to flow, close the spigots. After all the spigots are closed, turn on the electricity to the water heater or turn the gas switch to "run"

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