Gas Water Heater - Maintenance Guide | Repair and Replace

[@OrionsKelt]

All the best home repair information videos are Canadian! Thank you from the southern USA!

[@AmreSupply]

Thank you! We put a lot of effort into making high quality, easy to follow videos. We're happy that we have so many viewers in the USA as well as in Canada!

[@rafon.]

Northern USA thanks you as well!

[@cheburator6666]

1000%

[@alynromero8729]

My water heater stopped working. Son changed the dial from hot to pilot and only the pilot igniter was on. Easy fix. Now ima look into doing the maintenance like in the video since i have not looked into my water heater maintenance since i bought the house. Thank you for this thorough and helpful video.

[@AmreSupply]

You're welcome, we're just happy to help!

[@mitch4863]

This is one of the best how to videos I've seen, thank you! Very easy to understand, very clear video instructions, and very thorough.

[@AmreSupply]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CleoCat75]

dude, this covered every question I had, and more! Excellent video, and you're very charismatic as well! Thanks!

[@AmreSupply]

Thank you for the kind words we're just happy to help!

[@bdcher01]

Really great guide, tips, and explanations. I appreciate that you explain how things work, not just what to do. And you have tips or steps that others don't mention.

[@AmreSupply]

Glad you found it helpful! Knowing how it works is key for many of our videos!

[@nezermv]

I bought this water heater kzbin.infoUgkx8G49mV71sAzUl9shXyLW-r3XgHH9EVh1 for use in my bus conversion. I installed it under my kitchen sink and it is fed by a high efficiency on-demand LP water heater. It is both a backup hot water source as well as a water saving device since we have hot water on demand rather than having to wait for the gas on demand water heater to finish its ignition cycle. I decided on this water heater due to the fact that it only draws 1300watts when it's ON instead of the 1500 watts that most Water heaters this size draw. In an RV a couple hundred watts can be a big deal. With very low standby losses, I don't have to worry about excessive power consumption. When propane is not available for our gas water heater, in conjunction with our low flow shower head there is enough hot water available to shower, albeit we won't be taking "hotel showers." Also very happy with the recovery rate of this water heater. Granted, it is quite small, but it does exactly what we need it to do.

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching.

[@passiton9016]

Wow...This really helped me. We need more of this content.

[@AmreSupply]

Thank you, we're glad that you found the video helpful! We have many more videos on the way (our next series is one on refrigerator repairs and troubleshooting) until then, this "how it works" playlist is a good place to learn general concepts: kzbin.info/aero/PLCo9SMjkdWBxWwrWCmzvRMSi2kLo9bGdp

[@zphi8703]

Thanks so much for your video. I was told by a person at Lowes that draining my tank was not needed( I've had it for a while), but that did not seem right. Your video is easy to follow and I'm going to check/ do maintenance on my heater right away. Again thanks.

[@AmreSupply]

You're welcome, we're glad you found the video helpful! There are many people that we say that they went X number of years and never did any maintenance, but its always best to be proactive and stay on top of it. Trying to unscrew an anode rod to check on it after its sat for 10 years is really difficult. If you check it yearly its pretty easy. As well a flush is easier if its done regularly.

[@TheArtificiallyIntelligent]

@@AmreSupply when checking the anode rod, do you replace the teflon tape each time?

[@AmreSupply]

@@TheArtificiallyIntelligent Thanks for watching. Yes its best to apply new teflon tape each time so that it is easy to access, 2 - 3 wraps should be good in most cases.

[@peterdang9475]

Lowe’s told you that so they could sell you a new one

[@iansmith9099]

Great video, I'll try this out in the spring

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching, we're glad that you found it informative!

[@SgtProstar]

fastest shipping ever....amre is awesome for plumbing and furnace parts!!!!!!

[@AmreSupply]

Thank you for your support, we're just happy to help out!

[@jiaxiangzhou6589]

Very professional and easy to understand! Thank you very much

[@AmreSupply]

You're welcome! We're glad that you found it helpful!

[@danadowney9706]

Thank you so much for this video. Very concise and easy to understand.

[@AmreSupply]

You're welcome! We're just happy to help!

[@tadeuszbloch7397]

Bardzo dobrze wytlumaczone ,, Widac duza wiedza !! Gratuluje !! (Polish language)

[@AmreSupply]

Thank you Tadeusz, we're just happy to help!

[@phandeng7284]

I really this video, it is very specific and very clear in detail instructions. Thank you super very much from your professional experience.

[@AmreSupply]

You're welcome, we're just happy to help!

[@domenicsandri2740]

Teflon tape is applied COUNTERCLOCKWISE, not clockwise. That way, when screwing in the electrode (it is done clockwise) the friction will not remove & bind up the tape. You’ll get a better seal as well.

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. The standard recommendation of wrapping the the tape clockwise (in the same direction of the threads) is to prevent it from becoming lose and bunching up when the threads are tightened. In this video the direction to wrap it clockwise is based on our perspective in the camera. This is the same as if you were looking at the end of a pipe. If you flip the anode to have the rod facing away, then yes you would have to wrap the tape counterclockwise.

[@JD-pp6ze]

Both right. Depending on how you hold the rod

[@Panicmicelf]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@AmreSupply]

You're welcome!

[@Joseph-xt2qg]

Fantastic video! Thank you!

[@AmreSupply]

You're very welcome!

[@gummyhero6]

Thanks for the video!

[@AmreSupply]

You're welcome!

[@TheYamahog12]

Really good video. We bought our house three years ago. I’m sure we have the original propane water heater from 2006. I would bet it has never been flushed and the anode never replaced. I’ve noticed the water is hotter than it used to be although I’ve never changed the temp setting. I’m concerned that if I flush it after 17 years there may be sediment that will plug the drain valve and/or the piece of hose attached. At this point am I better off just replacing the water heater? I’m afraid of getting into a mess I can’t get out of without calling a plumber anyway. Thanks.

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. To install a new tank, a plumber would have to drain the tank anyways. This tutorial shows how to flush a tank, and backflush if needed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/npzFmmVqhq-betk if you feel that you need a new tank there is no harm in calling a professional for a 2nd opinion.

[@TheYamahog12]

@@AmreSupplyThanks for your reply. I may go ahead and try to flush it. I’m concerned that if I get in a mess and need a plumber they might not be able to come over right away. And to remove/replace the anode, I’d probably have to disconnect everything because there’s not enough space to accommodate the length of the anode. And mine has the exhaust blower on top because the vent doesn’t go straight up. I’d have to lean the tank over to remove and replace the anode I think.

[@tincan77]

@@TheYamahog12how did it go?

[@AdmiralDG]

​@@TheYamahog12Get a segmented anode for the new one, thats what I used, makes it easy with low clearance access! :)

[@yueguang0077]

Thousands of thanks to u

[@AmreSupply]

You're welcome, we're just happy to help!

[@liuboyu426]

Amazing video! Any troubleshooting guild with noises and it's cause?

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks Liu, we're glad you found the video helpful! We have some troubleshooting guides on how when the pilot flame won't stay lit, and some other maintenance and repair on water heaters but nothing on the noises: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHm4gXmCl8drhLs As for noises, one common noise can be the water heating up under the sediment inside your tank making a popping sound or almost a similar sound to a coffee machine. That can be reduced by doing a tank flush. As well if you have a power vent water heater, the draft inducer motor can be a source of noise.

[@iamnotawafflewaffle6622]

Thank you for the help

[@AmreSupply]

You're welcome!

[@kb_rod]

Nice work

[@AmreSupply]

Thank you

[@abdulrahmanmahmoud688]

Really thanks for the explanation, because unfortunately I brought in a foolish plumber who nearly got damaged to my new heater. but after your explanation now i know how it is done the right way

[@AmreSupply]

You're welcome. we're glad that you found the video helpful!

[@lawrenceanderson7994]

Thank you so much

[@AmreSupply]

You're welcome, we're just happy to help!

[@MrB-jf5hd]

I just replaced my 17 year old AOSmith 50 gallon tank, never drained or replaced rod, old school plumber told me don't touch it ever..he was right..

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. There are a lot of opinions floating around on how much maintenance is needed. Water hardness and softeness will change the longevity, as there are some places where the anode rode will degrade within several years if not replaced. We're glad that you got so many years out of your tank.

[@MJ-lt5yv]

And you no dirty buildup inside your tank??

[@Themuskychannel]

@@AmreSupplythat’s exactly what it is, one zip code over and that water is a different story. Has everything to do with maintenance schedule, your zip code may vary lol

[@frederickneal4781]

That new water heater won't last 17 years with no maintenance!

[@user-xf6qf7pm7w]

Anode rod replacement: The announcer says apply the tape clockwise. He should have said counterclockwise. You want the apply the tape to the threads opposite the direction you will screw in the replacement rod.

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. The clockwise direction for teflon tape was based on the perspective of looking at the threads, like you would have if you had a pipe facing you. If you are looking down at the hex nut, then it would be counter clockwise. We have a video that goes into more detail on applying the tape: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3XLfWOsmtlnnc0si=aJNIA5wql9_4Mifs&t=104

[@HaloGTMaster94]

Nice 👍

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching!

[@peanut0brain]

Thank you doc!

[@AmreSupply]

You're welcome!

[@Crazylaowai]

Great video thanks!

[@AmreSupply]

You're welcome, we're just happy to help!

[@TurboSS7423]

Great video! Very informative!

[@AmreSupply]

Thank you, we're glad you found it helpful!

[@1CJ6]

I'm not sure how old my water heater is, but at a minimum, its 3 1/2 yrs old. I have never flushed it, but I've been thinking of doing so because our water has been having an off smell about it (occasionallylike musty or gas) and sometimes comes out dirty (faucet and toilet), but no one in my community has that issue. Not sure what else it could be in our house.

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. It depends on the mineral content of your water but it can be good to do a flush and check anode to see what state it is in.

[@xooq_]

great videos

[@AmreSupply]

Thank you!

[@missmouse20]

Question here please. My 50 gallon tank has 8 year warranty, I'm on the 9th year. I've never drained it until now. I agitated the bottom many times and finally got the tank to run clear. Problem is inside hot water is still off colour. I live in Vancouver, BC for location. Every plumber says I need a new tank. Is there more I can do?

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. There might have been some very fine sediment that is now floating in the tank. After a shower or two that will likely disperse. If the tank is still heating effectively you might not need a new one. Has the water started to run clear now?

[@AndrewColemanNetEng]

Where is the required pan and the clearance required from the floor?

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. The water heater in this video was just set up for demonstration purposes in our film studio. Since plumbing and building codes evolve as time goes on, and are different depending on the region, the water heaters you'll see in videos might not look the same way that you might see locally.

[@oilman1758]

Any advice in removing the Anode rod on 1.5 year old tank. I used a breaker bar and pneumatic gun. The nut wont even turn 1mm. I find it hard to believe in 18moinths I can't remove it. I'm afraid to use the pneumatic gun in case it breaks the tank. I used a 3foot breaker bar no go either. Any suggestions would be great. Thank you in advance.

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. In the cases where a thread is seized, heat and penetrating oil can be used to help loosen the threads. Note: Do not use penetrating oils and heat at the same time, but in alternating steps. Make sure there is no penetrating oil on the surface when you apply heat.

[@thatguy9045]

What a good video

[@AmreSupply]

Thank you, we're just happy to help!

[@victorgutierrez5826]

I see you change the COLD ANODO i have to change the HOT ANODO also ?

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. Water heaters only have one anode rod. If it has one that is integrated it will be on the hot side.

[@lawrencejacobs6950]

Great info here! I have a water softener tank hooked up to my hot water tank. I was told that I wouldn’t need to drain my hot water tank because of this. Any thoughts to this? I’ve been in my home 6 years now. Thanks!

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. If you have a water softener then it will reduce the amount of corrosion and sediment. It can still be good to check the anode rod and the tank to see how much has happened over 6 years.

[@durb222]

You can actually have more sediment in the water heater forcing you to flush it more often. Sodium is exchanged for harder minerals in the water, and excess sodium can build up in the bottom of the tank. This is the case for my water softener and hot water heater.

[@809tinkerbell1]

Have you ever had an issue with the hot water tasting like mildew?

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. How water that tastes like mildew can be caused by sediment, indicate an iron content in the water or could be decaying organic matter.

[@jinglu3500]

Does Amre Supply provide daily maintenance of the water heater?

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. At AMRE Supply, we provide the knowledge and the parts needed for repairing your water heaters, furnaces or appliances. If you're looking to hire someone to do maintenance on your water heater then there are plenty of local companies that can help you out. Just search for "water heater maintenance" and include your town or city. Look for a company or plumber with good reviews and give them a call.

[@cwhite8401]

Is it standard practice to replace Teflon on a reused anode ?

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. Applying new teflon will help make a good seal and make it easier to remove the anode rod in the future.

[@louderango1741]

This shows an illegally connected water heater. Gas lines can not use white Teflon tape for gas connections. Move over - hard piping to a water heater without the use of a semi-rigid connector puts undue stress on the gas pipe which now must be exactly plumbed to a perfect position for the water heater - and once servicing a water heater that is empty, transfers any forces and motion from the water heater to the hard piping. If someone would even lean on the water heater, or bump against it, it would easily transfer to the hard piping and risk a pipe frack that would go unnoticed. Another reason for a connector (max up to 6 feet) as specified by the international code 2015. This could induce small fractures and put the household at risk. The pipe also looks to be galvanized water pipe - which is also not allowed for gas. galvanized pipe (zinc coating) can flake off, and cause issues with gas valves.

[@AmreSupply]

Thank you for watching and sharing your experience. This water heater was placed in our film studio and was not connected to water and gas so it wasn't fully functional. We used yellow teflon tape on the gas connections and set up the water heater fully knowing that the plumbing code differs depending on the region and is also changing over time. The wood floor is also not recommended but is what we had installed at the time as part of our film set.

[@skullfracture2]

A couple of the things you suggested are code now, or strong recommendations to use. A water heater can absolutely have hard piping plumbing, it as it’s not an appliance that’s expected to move. My house was built in the 40s and I have galvanized for some of my gas line. I am aware that some of the galvanization may flake off from the inside of the pipe and cause issues, but I haven’t had any sign of any any issues. It’s one of those things, could it happen? Sure. Will it happen? Probably not. Also, when I saw the Teflon tape in the video, It looks yellow to me. You should get your eyes checked.

[@CheekyPseudonym]

Is the Anode flexible? It doesn't look like I have clearance between the water heater, and the ceiling

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. If the anode rod is longer than the space above the water heater, you might have to cut it with a hack saw to remove it. There are segmented / flexible rods that can be installed afterwards. The segmented rods can be bent in several places:

[@CheekyPseudonym]

Thank you

[@dawnmcr802]

You can buy one that DOES bend for such a situation. They have 3 sections with a space between to bend it in 2 places.

[@davidestate]

Great video... If you need to replace the anti corrosive pipe thingy, is it standardised, regulated to only Gas Professionals to install it or can be purchased online? Thanks again for the video.

[@AmreSupply]

Hi David, thank you for watching! AMRE Supply sells anode rods and other water heater repair parts to anyone who needs it. You can order them online, we ship to Canada and the US: www.amresupply.com/catalog/Anode-Rods-661013-PP2

[@davidestate]

@@AmreSupply thanks so much. One more question. How do I know which on I should choose?

[@AmreSupply]

@@davidestate You're welcome! The different types of anodes is covered in this part of this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noWtp2ltntKal6c

[@jjsmnow]

Thanks for miking yourself. Seems a lot of youtubers know nothing about proper miking and sound bad and annoying to listen to. To those people I say watch a youtube video on correct miking.

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for noticing! We are grateful for our video team who make sure that these videos sound and look professional!

[@akrocuba]

The first thing I would do is change the plastic relief valve piping. I can't understand how anyone can use plastic for a heated pressure vessel that ha the potential of producing high pressure steam which is very dangerous,. That plastic would blow righ apart under 160psi and steam temp would be over 350 F Very dangerous.

[@AmreSupply]

That is an excellent point. Plastic is not idea and in our Drain Valve Repair video we outline the option of using a full port ball valve instead of plastic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHimlp2DqLCBjpYsi=ep5daL5Iay2dysZV&t=195

[@akrocuba]

@@AmreSupply Yes, I saw that. But I was talking about the T&P RELIEF valve that was piped to the floor with plastic.

[@AmreSupply]

@@akrocuba Thanks for clarifying, missed that part on the relief valve during the first read of it. Have you seen examples of the plastic piping rupturing under that pressure? Or do you think the fact that the unobstructed pathway allows steam and water to be released through the pipe rather than damaging the discharge pipe itself?

[@akrocuba]

@@AmreSupply Yes. The plastic could simply melt way, rupture and then the relief is pouring into the area of the vessel I know manufactures make the relief valve drains, but manufacturers also still make S-traps that are illegal in every plumbing code that I know of I'll stick to steel or copper for all my pressure/temp relief piping

[@akrocuba]

@@AmreSupply These guys are great!...LOL Now this isn't about the relief valve, they removed all safety and plugged everything But this does demonstrate very well how dangerous an everyday appliance like a water can be if things go wrong kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHi6noKEfc6jjNE

[@__comic]

How long does the refill process take ?

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. If you have a 40 gallon tank then it will likely take up to a half hour to fill.

[@__comic]

@@AmreSupply perfect thank you!

[@RandomVids519]

My tank isnt even 3 years old yet should i not bother doing this?

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. It's unlikely that there is a lot of sediment after that time but this depends on how hard or soft your water is. Doing this sort of regular maintenance will give you an idea of the health of the anode rod and will make it easier to judge when you'll need to replace it as you'll have snapshots over time.

[@watamala1]

I had a brand new water heater never did any maintenance and it broke in 3 yrs 💔

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. What part failed after 3 years of use?

[@jameskeaney9590]

Great video. Really well done. Jk

[@AmreSupply]

Thank you, we're just happy to help!

[@psychiatry-is-eugenics]

My gas water heater is over 45 years old .

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. That is quite a rarity these days!

[@4seeableTV]

What brand?

[@Nalopotato]

Uncanny Valley vibes

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching.

[@WhatTheFixes]

Should start with, this video only pertains to GAS heated water heater

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. That is a good point, though some of the steps are applicable to both electric and gas, these repairs do focus on gas. We've added a note in the title.

[@WhatTheFixes]

@AmreSupply yes, I still gave the video a like because it does cover all the steps. Great video, and thanks for adding GAS in the title. I just know people with electric will question how to turn off/on the water heater. They will loom for a switch rather than turn off at the breaker.

[@khmerjamesgoodness8712]

👍👍💕

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching!

[@coppertopv365]

trailer homes suck.. I got a hot water heater in a closet. Not the most easiest thing to get to.

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. You are right that not all water heaters or furnaces are easy to access. It makes some repairs go slowly without that additional space.

[@MrBLULUNA]

💯🙏🏼💯

[@AmreSupply]

Thank you!

[@fernandoesparza5693]

1

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching.

[@charlessmith833]

It would help if you had emphasized turning off the gas or electricity to do the maintenance chores. Stupid people don't think and shouldn't even attempt to do this stuff but leaving the gas or electricity on would be a serious mistake. Can't overstate it.

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. There is a whole section on disconnecting the water heater which is at 1:23 in this video.

[@seenit09]

Just replaced my 28yr old water heater, never touched it. Don’t touch your water heater!

[@AmreSupply]

Thanks for watching. The advice to never touch it and do any maintenance might not be the best idea depending on what model you have. Older models didn't have a flame arrestor screen. Dust and debris can clog this screen and can prevent the burner from working properly. In these cases regularly cleaning the screen can prevent these problems before they occur.