When you use a water heater, just knowing how to activate this function will help the heater last longer.

Water heaters are indispensable devices for families especially when the cold winter comes. Yet, do you know how to use water heaters to be both safe and durable?

When using water heaters, it is necessary to know some features to clean the machine, only then will dirt not settle and shorten the life of the device.

In fact, cleaning water heaters is not too difficult and complicated, on the body of the tank there is a “hidden switch”.

You just need to open it and dirty water will flow into the basin.

This “hidden switch” is the sediment discharge valve on the water heater. If you turn it off, and flush the water heater, the dirt in the tank will go out this way.

First, you need to drain all the hot water in the tank to avoid burning us during the cleaning process. Next turn off the power and lock the water supply to the tank.

Then remove the water supply pipe, the water outlet pipe and the safety valve in turn.

Once the water in the tank is drained, continue to turn the sediment discharge valve out. This is located right next to the 2 water inlet and outlet pipes. Please remember that you should be gentle because the sediment discharge valve is often attached to the Magnesium rod (descaling rod), whose function is to protect the uncoated points in the water heater, preventing rust from occurring to protect the tank core from being punctured.

Use the water supply pipe to install in the water outlet pipe position, turn on the water supply to let cold water in to flush the tank, then dirty water will come out from the sediment discharge valve.

After rinsing for about 1-2 minutes, when the dirt inside the tank is gone, remove the water supply pipe from the water inlet pipe and reinstall the water pipes as before.

With the Magnesium rod, it is advisable to clean it before reinstalling it in the tank. If the Magnesium rod is more than 60% corroded, it needs to be replaced immediately. If not replaced, the Magnesium bar will combine with the metals in the tank, leadin to leakage, corroding the tank shell and affecting the user.

With just some simple steps as above, the dirt in the water heater will be removed. As per experts, to prevent too much dirt from accumulating inside the tank, it is best to clean the tank this way about once every 6 months.

How to use a water heater safely and save electricity

– Choose the capacity and capacity suitable for your needs

When you buy a water heater, choosing the capacity and capacity of the tank to suit your needs is very important. If you choose a water heater with a larger capacity, it will consume more electricity.

– Choose reputable, quality brands

Apart from choosing the capacity of the water heater to suit your family’s needs, you should buy a water heater from a reputable brand. As quality products are applied with many modern and advanced technologies, they will save electricity and ensure safety when used.

– Do not let the water heater operate 24/24 hours

When using, many users have the habit of turning on the water heater 24/24 hours to save time. Turning on the water heater all day will waste electricity, damage the machine and is not safe for users. So, only turn on the machine about 10 – 15 minutes before use.

– Lower the water heating temperature for the tank

This will help you save electricity, you may not know that every time you reduce 5oC, you can save 3 to 5% of the monthly electricity bill for the water heater. The suitable temperature when using should be about 36oC.

Note when installing

Install near the place of use (place the tank no higher than 2m from the faucet) to avoid heat loss on the pipe. Gas-fired water heaters should be installed outside the house such as balconies or yards. If installed indoors, ensure there is a way to vent exhaust gases.

Grounding wires should be installed in order to conserve electricity and keep users safe in the event of an electrical leak.

Regularly check and maintain water heaters

Apart from using water heaters properly to help save electricity and ensure your safety, you should also regularly maintain and check water heaters. You can check water heaters by simply using an electric tester to test the water pipes or directly into the water, thereby helping to detect problems early for timely resolution, saving costs and limiting dangerous accidents.