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Water Heater Upgrade: Water Heater Problems Water Heater Upgrade: Water Heater Problems From "Ed the Plumber" episode DETP-211

Ed offers tips on keeping your water heater in tip-top shape.

Materials:

Soldering kit
Teflon paste
Pipe cutter
Small pliers
Screwdriver
Tape measure
Marker
3/4" copper pipe and fittings
Threaded male adaptor
3/4" 'T'
Thermal expansion tank
Automatic shutoff valve

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Figure A

Water heaters can wear out over time, and there are a few signs that will let you know.

• Brown water coming out of your hot water faucet could mean that the tank liner has ruptured.

• The pressure relief valve can leak because of too much pressure in the tank.

• Keeping the temperature above 125 degrees can cause damage.

• A thermal expansion tank (figure A) will allow pressure to build up keeping it from damaging your tank.

• You can install a water and gas safety valve, which will shut down the water heater when it senses a problem.