Keeping Your HVAC System In Great Condition
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Keeping Your HVAC System In Great Condition

There aren't many things more frustrating than an air conditioning that refuses to run. A hot, muggy home can make your space incredibly uncomfortable, which is why I have always focused on maintaining my air conditioning system. Unfortunately, I still run into problems from time to time and I am sure that all of you do, which is one of the reasons I decided to build this website. Check out these posts for more information about keeping your system working beautifully, even if you aren't naturally good at fixing things. You never know, making the right changes could dramatically improve your summertime experience.

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Keeping Your HVAC System In Great Condition

Five Things That Mitigate Water Heater Leak Damage

Herbert Franklin

Water heater leaks can cause major water damage, especially if they go unnoticed for some time. Preventing the leaks should be a top priority for every home.

1. Drip Pan Drains

Every water heater should have a drip pan beneath it to catch any water that leaks from tank damage or a failed hose connection. If your water heater isn't situated near a floor drain or if it is on a second floor, then the drip pan should also contain its own drain line. This ensures that even if the entire tank empties via a leak, the water will be routed safely away and will only cause minimal damage to your home.

2. Routed Overflow Valves

On top of every hot water heater is an overflow valve. It is designed to let out any pressure and water that builds inside the tank due to overheating. Make sure there is a drain pipe affixed to the tank that routes the water downward in the event the overflow valve is triggered. Otherwise, the high pressure flow of water can punch holes in the ceiling above or spray out water and cause major damages. The valve can be routed to the drip pan or a nearby floor drain.

3. Expansion Tanks

An expansion tank is an option in lieu of a traditional overflow valve. This is a small tank that is attached to the water heater where the overflow valve would be located. In the event pressure builds, it is expelled into the expansion tank. Once the water in the tank cools and pressure drops, it flows harmlessly back into the water heater. The size of the expansion tank varies, as it depends on the capacity of the water heater.

4. Scale Prevention

Scale is the hard water residue that forms as a result of certain dissolved minerals in your water source, namely lime, calcium, and magnesium. The minerals precipitate out of the water in the heated tank and form a residue on the tank walls. A buildup of residue can cause the tank to corrode and form leaks. Further, thick layers of scale reduce tank capacity and can increase the chances of pressure buildup and overflow. Installing a water softener and flushing the tank to remove scale each year prevents scale-related leaks.

5. Tank Maintenance

Regular water heater maintenance and inspections can help catch a developing leak before damage occurs. During an annual service call, your tech will check valves and hose connections to make sure they are in good condition. They will also test the thermostat and heating elements, as well inspect for scale buildup.

Contact a water heater service in your area for more help with leak prevention.


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