How to properly winterize your hot water heater

One of the most important things you can do to protect your home in winter is to winterize your hot water heater.

Here are 15 tips on how to properly winterize your hot water heater:

1) Insulate your hot water heater.

You can find pre-cut insulation blankets for your hot water heater at most hardware stores. Simply wrap the blanket around your hot water heater and secure it in place with tape or straps. This will help keep the heat in, and prevent your pipes from winterize.

2) Drain your hot water heater.

Before you drain your hot water heater, be sure to turn off the power or gas supply to avoid damaging the unit. Next, attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the unit and place the other end of the hose in a drain or bucket. Slowly open the valve to allow the water to drain out. Once the tank is empty, close the valve and remove the hose.

3) Flush your hot water heater.

After you have drained your hot water heater, it’s time to flush it out. This will remove any sediment that has built up over time. To do this, simply attach a garden hose to the flush valve at the bottom of the unit and open the valve. Allow the water to run through for several minutes before closing the valve and removing the hose.

4) Refill your hot water heater.

Once you have flushed your hot water heater, it’s time to refill it. Be sure to turn the power or gas supply back on before you do this. Once the unit is full, close the inlet valve.

5) Bleed your hot water heater.

If there is air in your hot water heater, it can cause the unit to overheat and damage the tank. To bleed your hot water heater, simply open the pressure relief valve at the top of the unit and allow any air to escape. Once the air has been released, close the valve.

6) Install a freeze-proof kit.

A freeze proof kit helps prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting in winter. The kit includes a thermostat that turns off the power to your hot water heater if the temperature drops below freezing. You can find freeze proof kits at most hardware stores.

7) Keep your hot water heater warm.

If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time, it’s important to keep your hot water heater warm. One way to do this is to set the thermostat to “vacation” mode. This will keep the unit warm without using as much energy. Another way to keep your hot water heater warm is to leave a light on in the room where the unit is located. The heat from the light will help keep the unit warm.

8) Disconnect your hoses.

If you have hoses attached to your hot water heater, be sure to disconnect them before winter. This will help prevent the hoses from freezing and bursting.

9) Add an expansion tank.

If you have a tankless hot water heater, it’s important to add an expansion tank. This will help prevent the unit from over pressurizing and exploding in winter. Expansion tanks can be found at most hardware stores.

10) Insulate your pipes.

One of the best ways to prevent your pipes from freezing is to insulate them. You can find pre-cut insulation at most hardware stores. Simply wrap the insulation around your pipes and secure it in place with tape or straps.

11) Keep your doors and windows closed.

Make sure to keep your doors and windows closed in winter. This will help prevent cold air from coming into your home and causing your pipes to freeze.

12) Seal any cracks or openings.

If there are any cracks or openings in your home, seal them with caulk or weather-stripping. This will help keep the cold air out and the heat in.

Conclusion:

By following these simple tips, you can help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting this winter. By taking a few minutes to winterize your home, you can save yourself a lot of time, money, and hassle in the long run.