With a water heater, you get to enjoy as much warm water as you want – but sometimes things go wrong! Here are the top seven water heater mistakes you need to avoid if you don’t want to find yourself stuck with freezing water in your morning bath:
1. Turning on the water heater when it isn’t ready.
A lot of people get impatient with their water heaters. So before you turn it on, make sure it’s filled up with water, says Popular Mechanics.
2. DIY installation.
Don’t try to do it with nothing more than a DIY video and zero experience, skills or tools. Play it safe by getting professional plumbers to deal with your water heater installation.
3. Not doing anything about leaks.
Leaks and drips mean your water heater is a loss and you’ll need to replace it right away.
4. Irregular maintenance and service.
Keep maintenance services constant. That’ll help keep your heater in tip-top shape.
5. Putting off that replacement.
Don’t wait until the leaks go from bad to worst. You’ll end up with a huge bill. That’s the last thing you want at this point—that is, more expenses—while you’re on the verge of buying a new heater.
6. Not hiring a pro.
Plumbing codes vary depending on what region you’re in. So make sure you hire someone who knows how to work with the materials you have and what codes to follow. This way, the job is carried out right from the get-go.
7. Mixing copper and a galvanized water line.
Putting together dissimilar metal components can lead to a ton of damage. So always keep in mind never to use copper or brass heater fittings when you’ve got a galvanized water supply line. The resulting corrosion won’t give you the kind of connection you want.
By learning all about these mistakes, you’ll know just what to avoid to keep your water-heater problems at bay.
