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Each one of our condos has its own hot water heater and you, the owner,
are responsible for maintenance, proper function and cost of replacement.
are responsible for maintenance, proper function and cost of replacement.
It is therefore in your best interest to maintain your water heater the best
you can to ensure a long life.
you can to ensure a long life.
Visual Inspection:
- Make sure your heater is properly strapped to the wall to prevent tipping in
the event of an earthquake. Unsecured water heaters can tip over during
an earthquake, spilling boiling hot water that can cause severe injuries and
water damage. Electrical wires can be torn out, creating the possibility of
sparking and causing electrical fires. The law requires water heaters to be
properly secured to studs inside the walls. If you have doubts about the
safety of your water heater then contact a specialist to evaluate your
installation. Most licensed plumbing contractors are familiar with the code
requirements. - Check to see if your water heater sits in a large drip-pan that is properly
connected to plumbing drain lines. This drip-pan must be installed to
ensure that any water that might leak from your water heater does not
penetrate into the floors, causing damage to the building structure. All drip
pans must either be connected to a plumbing drain line or must have
plumbing lines that are routed to an exterior section of the building where
water can not cause damage. If your water heater does not have a drip-
pan, contact a licensed plumbing contractor to evaluate the needs to install
one. Keep in mind that running new plumbing lines might require approval
by the HOA. Contact the Board of Directors if you have questions. - Check your water heater at least once a month for visual signs of
corrosion and water leaks around valves, fittings, pipes and connections.
Also check for moisture inside the drip-pan or around the floor. If signs of
corrosion or leaks are visible, contact a licensed plumbing contractor to
evaluate the condition of your water heater and possible repair
requirements. - All water heaters must be equipped with a pressure relieve valve. Those
valves are usually located on the side or the top of the water heater and are
designed to open if the pressure inside the tank reaches a critical limit. As
water gets warm it expands which causes for the pressure inside the tank to
rise. If your tank does not have a pressure relieve valve or has a non-
functioning valve, your heater is at risk of rupturing or even exploding. If you
believe that the pressure relieve valve on your heater might be in bad
condition then contact a professional for evaluation. Warning: do not open
the valve for testing, this should be done by a professional only. Opening
the valve will release hot water from the tank which could cause injury or
damage if no proper drainage system (drip-pan, etc.) is installed.
Maintenance that should be done at least once a year:*
Draining the sludge from the tank.
Since our drinking water contains impurities, these impurities will collect inside the
water heater tank over time and settle to the bottom. If the tank is not drained
frequently, this sludge can eventually fill up your tank which not only reduces the
effectiveness of the heating elements and results in a higher electric bill, it also
reduces the amount of hot water that is in the tank and available to you. Instead of
water, you are heating sludge. Sludge is also significantly heavier than water
which increases the weight of the heater and that can cause potential dangers
such as increased danger of tipping during earthquakes for example.
Draining the sludge from water heaters requires a process that is usually
described in the manual that came with your water heater. If you do not have a
manual, contact a professional such as a licensed plumbing contractor to perform
the maintenance for you.
Draining the sludge from the tank.
Since our drinking water contains impurities, these impurities will collect inside the
water heater tank over time and settle to the bottom. If the tank is not drained
frequently, this sludge can eventually fill up your tank which not only reduces the
effectiveness of the heating elements and results in a higher electric bill, it also
reduces the amount of hot water that is in the tank and available to you. Instead of
water, you are heating sludge. Sludge is also significantly heavier than water
which increases the weight of the heater and that can cause potential dangers
such as increased danger of tipping during earthquakes for example.
Draining the sludge from water heaters requires a process that is usually
described in the manual that came with your water heater. If you do not have a
manual, contact a professional such as a licensed plumbing contractor to perform
the maintenance for you.
Please remember:
Inspecting and maintaining your water heater is always cheaper than waiting until it
leaks and then having to deal with the damage that was caused!
Inspecting and maintaining your water heater is always cheaper than waiting until it
leaks and then having to deal with the damage that was caused!
* Any information provided herin is for general guidance only. The information is based on
electric water heaters as they are used in our building complex. Maintenance requirements for
gas-fired water heaters or your specific model might differ. Please consult your owner manual
or contact a licensed contractor or the manufacturer of your water heater for requirements
related to your water heater.
electric water heaters as they are used in our building complex. Maintenance requirements for
gas-fired water heaters or your specific model might differ. Please consult your owner manual
or contact a licensed contractor or the manufacturer of your water heater for requirements
related to your water heater.
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Water Heater Maintenance*
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