How to Maintain a Hot Water Heating System

The home’s hot water heating system is one of the most critical elements in the functionality of a home. Hot water must be produced quickly and be available to all who need it when they need it. Water-heating systems require regular maintenance to operate reliably season after season. A proper inspection routine is a great idea for any homeowner.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bicycle pump
• Garden hose

1. Locate the hot water heating system in the home. The hot water heater resembles a large cylinder with several pipes protruding from it. These systems are typically located in basements, crawl spaces or tucked in an out of the way closet.

2. Look for radiator units throughout the home. These units circulate the heated water. They resemble a large coil of cylinders placed against a wall.

3. Read the gauge located on the radiator unit. This gauge indicates pressure, temperature and level of water in the hot water heating unit. All of these readings help the user maintain the hot water heating system.

4. Attach a garden hose periodically to the unit’s drain valve and allow the unit to drain. Ensure the unit is off and completely cool to the touch before draining. Shut off water supply to the system as well.

5. Regulate the air pressure in the hot water heating system by checking the gauge. The user manual demonstrates the proper procedure for this process for each specific model of radiator. Re-pressurize the unit using a simple bicycle hand pump.

Tips & Warnings

• Inspect the pipes leading to and from the unit for any signs of damage. Repair any damage immediately for safest results.
• Have a professional look over the heat pump that sends the water through the hot water heating system. This critical component is at the heart of the system.
• Never over-pressurize the hot water heating system. Excessive pressure may result in a violent release of very hot water.