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DEAR MAINTENANCE MEN
accumulated sediment. (We will assume the tank in question is not a commercial unit with a clean out port.)
Flushing procedure:
1. Turn off the gas or breaker to the heater.
2. Turn off the water supply above the tank.
3. Connect a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank so the water can drain away from the heater. (Leave this valve closed for the moment.)
4. Open a hot water valve in the unit such as a shower valve or kitchen faucet.
5. Open the valve at the bottom of the tank to let the water drain through the hose. Caution: This water will be hot.
6. Allow the tank to drain completely.
7. Once the tank is empty; open and close the cold-water valve above the water heater. This will help flush any remaining sediment from the tank. Do this until the water runs clear out of the hose connected to the heater drain valve.
8. Close the drain valve and disconnect the hose from the bottom of the tank.
9. Open the cold-water valve above the water heater to fill the tank.
10. When water starts coming out of the shower or kitchen valves, the tank is full. Turn off the shower and kitchen valves. Leave the cold- water valve above the water heater open.
11. Re-light the gas burner pilot and turn on the burner or switch on the breaker for an electric heater.
This procedure should be part of your preventive maintenance routine and done once a year, every year. If done every year, this maintenance routine will significantly extend the life of your water heater.
DEAR MAINTENANCE MEN: READERS
We are in mid-summer and believe it or not, WINTER is COMING! Now is the time to review your pre-winter check list and do your preventive maintenance. Do you have a Pre-Winter Check List? See below for a good start.
CS-38 JULY 2022 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE
Dear Reader:
Here are a few tips:
1. We like to start at the top and check the roof for any damage. Check the flashing, roof transitions and fascia boards. Don’t forget to check any downspouts and drain covers.
2. Check all the windows and make sure they well sealed. Clean out the weep holes in any aluminum window frames and caulking on wooden windows. This is a good time to put a drop of grease on the moving parts of the crank out windows. Check screens for holes and replace any missing screens.
3. Check the proper operation of all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Keep note of the original install date and the date each alarm was checked thereafter for your records.
4. Check the building’s siding, brick and stucco walls for cracks, peeling paint and rot.
5. Clean out air conditioning filters and vents. Remove any lint, dust and dirt from around A/C coils.
6. Check sidewalks, stairs, decks, balconies and ramps for cracks, lifting and possible water intrusion.
7. Turn on and check all lawn sprinkler valves and look for broken heads, pipes and errant concrete watering.
8. Inspect water heaters and boilers for proper operation.
9. Check and adjust any exterior lights and timers.
10. Check on your residents and ask for any feedback on anything that might need repair. They live at the building day in and day out. Their input can be quite valuable in terms of preventive maintenance and resident relations.
WE NEED YOUR QUESTIONS!!!
If you would like to see your maintenance question in the “Dear Maintenance Men:” column, please send in your questions to:
DEARMAINTENANCEMEN@GMAIL.COM