Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Tip for a Tuesday....

Hot Water Heaters....
     
Daughter #1 had some work done on a gas pipe in her house recently.  For safety reasons, the gas was shut off.  The problem arose when the gas was turned back on and the pilot light wouldn't ignite on her hot water heater.

Numerous failed attempts meant the gas company would need to come in.
I happened to be there when the young man arrived to sort out the problem.
One of the first questions he asked me was whether the filter had been cleaned recently.

"Filter?  There is a filter that needs to be cleaned?  You mean like cleaning the coils under my refrigerator?" I asked.

Oh yes, was his reply.  And with that he pulled out a circular plastic mesh filter, about two inches high, which was fitted around the base of the tank.
And it was full of dust.
Who knew?

Apparently, on some water heater models such a filter exists.  It is important to periodically remove and clean it.  Air needs to be able to flow through the combustion chamber and keep the pilot light lit.

So my tip?  When you have a few minutes, look to see the make and model of water heater you have. Then check online and see if you have a filter or any other component which should be checked and cleaned periodically.

Best to keep all systems running - especially with the cold weather setting in.



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