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The Handyguys answer questions about Hot water heaters (or is it “cold water” heater?) and discuss basic water heater maintenance.
Please note: The Handyguys apologize for some technical difficulties which led to a broadcast with some snap, crackle and pops. We expect next week’s podcast to have this problem corrected.
Brian and Paul discuss the maintenance of your hot water heater. Everyone owns one but you don’t always get instructions on how to maintain the heater in your home. We just expect it to work and it usually does. However, every hot water heater will fail at some point and you will typically discover this one day when you have to settle for a cold shower. Even worse, you end up with water leaking all over your basement floor from the hot water tank.
The Handyguys own gas water heaters but much of what they discuss in this episode applies to both electric and gas water heaters.
What are the key components of a hot water heater? How do you maintain the heater? Are there maintenance tips to prolong the life of our heater and avoid the expensive plumber bill? The Handyguys discuss these basic questions in the first half of the podcast. In addition to basic water heater maintenance, a sad story about an electrocution caused by a faulty water heater is discussed.
The Handyguys also answer a couple listener questions about finicky gas hot water heaters with pilot lights that keep going out. Check out this weeks podcast on hot water heaters.
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I heard some strange pinging noises coming from the basement the other day and was afraid it might be the hot water tank.
I have visions of it spewing out water (like our old one did) when I’m here by myself and I wont’ know what to do. I’ve read the emergency instructions on the tank…but in an emergency will I know what to do…LOL.
Your blog is full of great information and I’ve subscribed.
Thanks for your kind words about our podcast. Pinging of hot water pipes is usually caused when pipes heat a cool they expand and contract. The expansion and contraction will cause a little rubbing where they are attached to joists. Its usually nothing to worry about. Regardless – Its always a good idea to be familiar with the operation of the systems in your house, especially where to turn off the water, electric and gas.
The Handyguys
My hot water heater bowed at the bottom of the tank and forced the tank upward which caused the pipes to leak. Could you tell me what would cause this?
Sandra – Time for a new water heater. It was caused by too much pressure in the tank. In this post there is a picture of a T&P (temperature and pressure) valve. The valve failed to open or is missing. The pressure could have been caused by excessive heat (bad thermostat) or excessive water pressure in the house. Check out our show where we talk about too much water pressure.
http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/902/episode-97-water-pressure-fixing-a-wall-and-a-new-tool
Good luck and let us know if you have any further questions.