Winter is upon us, and many snowbirds head to warmer climates, leaving their Indianapolis homes behind. If that’s your plan for the winter months, before you pack up and leave, it’s important to prepare your water heater for the cold temperatures. Failing to do so could lead to costly and inconvenient repairs when you return. The pros at Mister Water Heater suggest you follow these simple steps to properly winterize your water heater.
First things first: shut off the power. Depending on the kind of water heater you have, the process will be slightly different. For gas water heaters, turn the valve perpendicular to the gas line. For electric water heaters, flip the switch on the control panel.
Once the power is off, you must close the valve to the water line. This will prevent any additional water from entering the heater. Why is that important? When water is in the water heater, it could freeze and cause issues. The location of the valve could be inside or outside. Once you’ve found it, you must twist the wheel-shaped gear to close it.
Next, drain any water that's left inside the heater. Locate the drain on the bottom of the water heater and attach a water hose to it. If you don’t have one, place a bucket underneath to catch the water. Turn the handle and let the water drain completely.
While the water drains, it’s the perfect time to go around your home and turn on all the faucets. This will give you peace of mind that any remaining water in the pipes will be drained. The fact is, you don’t want water in your pipes during the winter months, especially when colder temperatures can cause your pipes to freeze and cause damage.
Depending on the time you’ll be away, you may want to consider insulating your water heater tank and pipes to prevent freezing. You can use a water heater blanket and duct tape to cover exposed pipes.
Winterizing your water heater is a simple and important task that can save you from costly and inconvenient repairs in the future. And if you’re not confident in taking these steps, our professional plumbers are just a phone call away. Along with water heater installation, we also offer water heater repair and 24/7 emergency service.
Contact Mister Water Heater at (833) 270-8502 or request service online today to learn more about our services and see how we can help keep the water heater in your Indianapolis home in top condition this winter.
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