water heater question

[aloneintexas]

Hello,

I am about to move back to my place in the country. No one has lived there for close to 4 years. I am wondering about the water heater. I dont even have the electricity back on yet, but I am curious if it sitting there unused damaged it any.

It is electric of course. If it does not work any longer is it something I can possibly repair or would it be best to chunk it? I know how to change the heating element, but dont they have a thermostat as well? Am I correct that the only thing that can go out is the heating element or thermostat?

Tommy

[ldsparamedic]

Tommy,
I'm not an expert but I would start and see if it full of water. If it is, open the bottom drain and see if any rust comes out. The integrety of the tank will depend on how corrosive your water is. In my experience, water heaters rust through the bottom and leak all over. I would make sure there is nothing around your water heater that may get ruined when it starts leaking. I would test the pressure relief valve by opening it. If it is gummed up, it will not reseat. Good luck.

[galloglaigh]

You'll need to drain the tank, and remove the heater elements for visual checks. Any problems will be obvious. If the tank is rusted out, it's time for a new one.

For new elements, they can be purchased as Lowes, or Home Depot. Consider buying another thermostat, along with a new power cord and plug. Take all the old stuff with you to match them up.

Also, what type of waterline is feeding the tank. If it's galvanized pipe which rust from the inside out, you may need to update those pipes to either PVC for the cold side, and CVPC for the hot. However, CVPC can be used for both sides. If you're in an area with very cold winters, consider flex tubing which is more resistant to cold, requiring fewer joints and fittings. *

If you're supplying from a well, you may need to check water pressure, most are set at about 75 psi for the well pressure tank. You may need to check with a well service here, additionally you may be needing to test the water quailty of the well.

As the dwelling has been vacant for four years, consider checking the building codes to see if you may need to upgrade the water heater's circuit breaker.

If the heater is to be housed on a wooden floor, take a momet to inspect the flooring for signs of water damage. Water weighs 8 pounds to the gallon, and a 40 gallon heater is over 320 pounds of downward pressure on the joists. If the old heater has been sitting near a wall covered with drywall, check that and any insultion for signs of mold. *If there's mold, consider replacing with greenboard.