Aging hot water tanks

Hello, Quick post here.. I just wanted to talk about hot water tanks as well as how keep them running for as long as possible.

First off.. If you purchase your hot water tank brand new.. you have two choices .. do monthly maintenance.

- Drain the bottom 1/8th tank of water monthly (religiously)
- Open & Close the T&P valve Quickly to release a small amount of water from the tank. (monthly)

By Doing these two things.. you'll allow sediment to escape the bottom of the tank (in theory) as well as keeping the T&P Valve seats from getting gummed up with calcification.

If you choose to not do these things.. Do Not attempt to do these after a year or so.. as the bottom of the tank will start to form a crust. if you open the boiler drain on the side of the tank it will more than likely get clogged with sediment. When you try to close the valve it will not close tight and possibly leak.

Still attempt to pop the T&P valve every once in a while.. or just Change this valve once every 3-5 years.

You can do the same with the boiler drain valve at the bottom of the tank if you choose.

A Few other tips I'd suggest.

-Purchase an Insulation kit for your tank and hot water pipes. this will greatly improve efficiency.
- Do not set the hot water tank to vacation.. This may lead to Legionnaires' Disease. If you go on an extended Vaccation.. Simply turn your hot water tank off by turning the gas cock to the off posisiton. Depending on the type of tank you may also need to turn the gas valve on the hot water tank to the off position.

A quick note on vacations.. Turn all toilets off at the tank valve. As well as the taps for your clothes washer. You Will save a lot of money in repairs if a tank breaks or hose on your washer was to break.

Finely since now i'm on the topic of vactions.. most insurrance companys also require you to have somone visit the house every 72 hours to check on it.

Thanks and post any questions or comments below.