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by DrJohnBullas

Another 7 Maintenance Tips for Water Heaters

Maintenance Tip #1 Preparing the water heater

Turn off the power if its an electric water heater.

Turn off the water to the water heater by closing the valve on the cold water line. Its located on top of the water heater. The cold line is always to the right.

Open a hot water tap inside the house. Air pressure will come out of the tap.

Open the drain valve located at the bottom of the water heater. It looks like a hose bibb. Let a gallon or more out of the water heater.

Do not allow anyone to use hot water for the time you are working on the water heater.

Maintenance Tip # 2 Removing sediment by dissolving it

You can dissolve sediment by using a descaler called Mag-Erad. It’s made by A.O. Smith who also builds water heaters. Use the instructions that come with this descaler, but ignore the part about leaving the gas water heater on. Turn the flame off by setting it to PILOT. The heat without water in the water heater can cause damage to the gas systems.

You can also use lye to dissolve sediment. Its very flammable and volatile. A plumber should use this chemical only.

Maintenance Tip #3 Controlling sediment

Sediment can be kept under control if you use softened water. Salt softened water only reduces sediment; it doesn’t get rid of the problem and also causes another problem. Anode rods’ life expectancy is reduced 50% to 65%.

Sediment grows rapidly at 140 degrees. Legionnaires’ Disease can grow at temperatures of 115 degrees or less. To keep both of these problems at bay, its best to set your water heater at 130 degrees. Legionnaires’ Disease is actually caused by inhaling water vapor rather than drinking infected water. Still, in hospitals the plumbing should be regularly filled with 170 degree water to kill all remaining bacteria.

The only way to check what temperature the water actually is, is to fill a cup of hot water and put a meat thermometer in the cup. If you have a gas water heater, the dial on it can be adjusted until hot water that is 130 degrees is coming out of the tap. Be sure to give the water heater a chance to recover between adjustments on the dial. An hour should do.

Some gas water heaters can adjust the size of the flame produced. Look at the center of the control knob and see if a small screw-like button is there. If so, this button can be used to adjust the flame size. If your having trouble getting enough hot water as it is, then leave this alone though.

If you have a sediment problem in an electric water heater, have a low-watt density element installed. Don’t be fooled by its name. It’s not as hot as a high-watt density element, however the surface area of the low-watt is double and heats just as well. The reduced heat slows the production of sediment.

If you have high water pressure over 50 psi, then have a plumber install a pressure reduced for your water heater. High pressure causes more sediment build-up

Maintenance Tip #4 Check water heater plumbing fittings

Check any threaded connections on your water heater for possible leaks. Threaded connections are located on the top of the water heater for both the hot and cold lines running to and from the water heater. The T&P valve which is on to one side of the water heater, may become leaky. It has a plastic pipe connecting it and has a loose metal switch which can be lifted to stand on end. The drain valve can leak. It is at the bottom of the water heater and often looks like a hose bib. The thermostat controls for both gas water heaters and electric water heaters can leak. The gas control has the words ON/OFF/PILOT written on it. The electric control is behind one but usually two metal compartments on the front of the water heater.

Maintenance Tip #5 Steel connections

Rust can occur if steel touches copper or brass. The rust occurs on the steel only on not on the copper or brass. Copper and brass are noble to steel on the Periodic Table. To control this problem on a water heater use a steel nipple with a plastic lining. This allows the water heater, which is steel to touch the steel nipple with no problem.

The steel nipple with plastic lining can also touch any copper plumbing because the plastic prevents them from touching. Dielectric unions can also touch steel nipples since their function is to prevent rusting or corrosion.

Maintenance Tip #6 Broken nipples

If the nipple breaks when you remove it with a pipe wrench, grab a flat-end screwdriver and a hammer. Hit the circle opening with the screwdriver and hammer and bend in the ring. Now use the screw driver to pry up the broken nipple. Use a hacksaw blade only to cut the opening slot to the threads if the screwdriver doesn’t do the trick. Clean the threads with a pipe tap. Now wrap the new nipple with teflon tap on the threads and install it.

Maintenance Tip #7 Electric heating elements

To check the electric heating elements on an electric water heater, locate the two ports in the front of the water heater. Sometimes there’s only one port, but nonetheless, you need to remove them. Here you can see the heating elements are screwed or bolted into the water heater and kept water-tight by a rubber gasket. Remove the element, but only if you’ve drained the water heater and turned the power off first. Replace the gasket if the rubber has turned hard. Wrap the element with teflon tape if it has threads. Put the tape on the threads and wrap it a couple of times.

Hard scale can build-up directly on an electric element. This is rare but it can happen. Scale usually just sloughs off elements and falls to the bottom of the water heater. If enough scale (also known as sediment) falls to the bottom of the water heater, it could bury the lower element.

There are two types of heating elements, the high-watt density element and the low-watt density element. The high-watt sloughs sediment off more easily but the total amount of sediment is greater due to the higher temperatures. A low-watt creates lower overall sediment because it is not as hot, but it still heats up the water just as well because it has double the surface area. It tends to get flakes of scale directly on itself more easily though. In most instances, the low-watt density element will cause fewer problems.

Elements may be cleaned. Use a toothbrush and vinegar to gently clean the sediment off of them.

If your anode rods have become heavily deteriorated, then this can affect your elements. Corrosive actions between the copper on the sheath of the element and the steel of the water heater’s tank can sprout slow leaks and destroy the elements. If your elements are burning out frequently after replacement, the anode could be to blame.

Tags: Another, Heaters, maintenance, Tips, Water
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Preventive maintenance software for computer hardware

Computers often break down at the worst of all times. These problems can be averted, or at least minimized with preventive maintenance. Several methods of keeping computer hardware in good working order deal with the external components of the computer, such as the keyboard and monitor. For example, it is important to keep the processor away from excess heat and moisture. There are also computer hardware preventive maintenance software programs that can help with the upkeep of other internal aspects of a computer.  

While it is rare to find a CMMS that works on all of a computer’s hardware, many different programs can be utilized simultaneously. Some computers have periodic automatic updates available that can be downloaded and used to improve the computer’s performance. Other software programs, known as disk defragmenters, manage hard drive space so that software programs take less time to access. Programs known as hardware diagnostic utilities can check the computer’s hardware components and alert the user about any potential failures. Since some new hardware will not always work on all computers and could cause existing hardware to malfunction, it is important to have a CMMS program to ensure that the new hardware is compatible with existing hardware.  

Antivirus programs are another important component of computer hardware preventive maintenance software. Computer viruses have become increasingly common in recent years and can render a good computer useless. While computer viruses mainly attack software programs, they can ruin hardware as well. Several manufacturers make reliable antivirus software. A couple of well-known companies are Norton and McAfee. As with much preventive maintenance software, these programs are usually available for a free trial period before the user must pay a subscription fee.  

Computer hardware preventive maintenance software is necessary to keep computers in good working order. This software manages aspects of computer hardware that would be difficult and time-consuming for even the most computer savvy users.

Other software programs, known as disk defragmenters, manage hard drive space so that software programs take less time to access. Programs known as hardware diagnostic utilities can check the computer’s hardware components and alert the user about any potential failures. Since some new hardware will not always work on all computers and could cause existing hardware to malfunction, it is important to have a CMMS program to ensure that the new hardware is compatible with existing hardware.  

Antivirus programs are another important component of computer hardware preventive maintenance software. Computer viruses have become increasingly common in recent years and can render a good computer useless. While computer viruses mainly attack software programs, they can ruin hardware as well. Several manufacturers make reliable antivirus software. A couple of well-known companies are Norton and McAfee. As with much preventive maintenance software, these programs are usually available for a free trial period before the user must pay a subscription fee.  

Computer hardware preventive maintenance software is necessary to keep computers in good working order. This software manages aspects of computer hardware that would be difficult and time-consuming for even the most computer savvy users.

Related Preventive Maintenance Software Articles

Tags: Computer, hardware, maintenance, Preventive, Software
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Maintenance tips for Amtico flooring!

Amtico flooring is a system of engineered flooring which is extremely durable. Moreover, it comes in a wide assortment of finishes copying exactly all conservative forms of flooring including stone, timber, marble and various other modern flooring alternatives of glass and metallic’s. As far as the construction of amtico is concerned, it is made by mixing together six layers of PVC which makes it a perfect and suitable option for any dry room of your house to wet regions such as bathrooms and kitchens.

The tiles not only provide individuals with a wide variety of designs but also offer choice in terms of patterns and textures as well thus providing an efficient solution for almost every need of a person. Moreover, the fact that Amtico tiles are all manufactured at the same thickness provides individuals with the ability to mix up and match any combination in order to generate their own exclusive flooring design. It will provide an artistic beauty of natural flooring materials. The best part is that the tiles do not get damaged easily. Moreover, it also does not undergo damage from stiletto heels.

It is very easy to take care of the Amtico flooring as the process takes very small effort and time to keep clean and look brand new. Habitual sweeping or vacuuming is one of the best ways of keeping these floors clean thus maintain their charm for a longer time period. It helps in removing dust and grit from the floor which is a basic step to care for floor. In addition to this, a regular weekly wipe with a moist mop is also compulsory depending upon the color of your flooring and your family’s standard of living.

The weekly cleaning command for any of the finishes or textures of Amtico flooring comprises of sweeping or vacuuming. Thereafter, Amtico Cleaner diluted 1:30 either with a spray bottle or a damp mop is applied. Finally, the floor is mopped with a dry mop. Always, wash your mop regularly and also keep changing the solution in your bucket whenever it gets dirty. Rub with a scouring pad designed for non-stick cookware in order to remove any scrape marks.

If you want a semi gloss finish instead of standard matt finish, you should consider dressing of new Amtico floor. Thus, it becomes clear with the above discussion that the process of cleaning and maintaining these floors is extremely easy and hassle-free as well. One only needs to keep some of the major points in mind in order to achieve better results in this regard.

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Tags: Amtico, Flooring, maintenance, Tips
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by Chris Devers

Optimize Your Operational Capability with CMMS Maintenance Management Software

Facility Management is one of the most important aspects of any business. Managing a large facility can be a daunting task. Facility Managers need to strike a balance between cost and profit. CMMS Maintenance Management software is the ideal tool to automate your tracking system for optimizing operational capability and good maintenance.

CMMS Maintenance Management system helps to monitor and maintain the present and the budgeted cost for an organization’s machinery, human resources, stock and properties. CMMS also ensures quality control and liability reporting are in place during production to prevent unnecessary losses or customer dissatisfaction. Some of the functions performed by CMMS are scheduling tasks, reserving and distribution of materials, recording expenditures and tracking any unusual incidents in the production process. CMMS Maintenance Management is an important part of any plant or facility functionality. Some of the most important CMMS Maintenance Management software packages used are discussed below:

Inventory Control: This is a type of CMMS Maintenance Management software used to manage spare parts, tools, allocating materials and managing other materials. Inventory Control also deals with proper storage of all materials, purchase order management, tracking all shipping goods and measuring actual inventory stock.
Safety Monitoring: This particular CMMS Maintenance Management software helps to track and monitor all the important documentations along with regulations regarding safety. Safety Monitoring CMMS Maintenance Management software also helps in ensuring proper safety of the equipment and personnel
Asset Management: This particular CMMS Maintenance Management software helps to record updated data about all the actual properties including equipment. It helps to keep the warranties up to date, update the renewal dates of the service contracts, monitor the depreciation of spare parts and its purchase date. It also helps to assess the overall expected lifetime of all equipment so as to measure the real worth of business at a given point of time.
Preventative Maintenance: Periodic inspections of all equipment and facilities are necessary to reduce maintenance costs. This particular software uses checklists for monitoring the maintenance progress and updates the concerned department responsible.

CMMS Maintenance Management system is an important tool for liability protection. CMMS ensures that a plant or a facility is being audited to check the safety procedures. A CMMS package should be purchased with much care after seeing its scalability and scope for future development and expansion. www.facilligence.com is a leader in CMMS Maintenance Management solutions and Business Project Management Software which can be a reliable partner for your inventory management.

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Tags: Capability, Cmms, maintenance, Management, Operational, Optimize, Software
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by foskarulla

Organization with Computerized Maintenance Management Software

Are you tired of those maintenance work orders cluttering up your desk? Are you tired of those same work orders getting lost? Or, maybe you’re tired of trying to keep accurate records by hand on maintenance procedures performed to the machinery? No matter what the case may be, if you need to add some organization to your maintenance department and possibly even simplify some of the processes, all while making the department more efficient, then computerized maintenance software is your answer.

The maintenance department is typically a very busy department within any company, and organization is the key to keeping the department and technically, the rest of the business running smoothly; therefore, special attention needs to be paid to this department. But, in the past, this seems to always be the department that gets overlooked; however, nowadays, technology has caught up and computerized maintenance programs are making lives easier and maintenance departments more efficient.

Does your maintenance department need help? If so, then contact a CMMS (computerized maintenance management software) vendor to learn more about this amazing technology that can prove to be very beneficial to any company. Learn how it can keep track of upcoming maintenance procedures or how it lets you schedule maintenance procedures during low production times. With this computerized maintenance software installed in your maintenance department, there will be no more unplanned downtime from necessary broken machinery causing your business to get behind and your losses to increase.

Any CMMS vendor that is serious about their product will provide you with a representative of their company to come into your company, install, and set up this program for you. This means that getting the program to work properly is their number one concern, because if it doesn’t, it’s not any good to you and they stand behind their product and their work. This is why they typically should also offer customer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They know you are not a computer wizard or a software geek, and so will provide you with a superior level of customer service in order to ensure you and your company great success with this software program.

Tags: Computerized, maintenance, Management, Organization, Software
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Configuration & Testing In Preventive Maintenance Software

Comprehensive Web CMMS integrated with Asset Management Software that is user friendly and customizable to save time and money. The first CMMS with Asset Management functionalities in a single software solution. Web based CMMS software programs help public and private organizations manage their maintenance from any location, by logging onto the Internet. A web based CMMS uses a web browser to access the program.

CMMS is short for Computerized Maintenance Management System. A true web based software  like CMMS Software does not require any third party or download program. It also offers remote system access with open architecture and interfaces.Preventive maintenance software exists to help people manage and maximize the value of their assets. online preventive maintenance software opens up the tracking, scheduling, and for any Maintenance Management Software purpose to a world wide connection.

The Computer Maintenance Management System encompasses the entire maintenance spectrum helping maintenance and facility managers across the globe increase Computerized Asset Management Software and lower the total cost of maintenance. CMMS Preventive Maintenance Software have an effective method for tracking and analyzing maintenance information. Advanced feature set in CMMS Maintenance Management Software delivers easy to use tools for life-cycle management, asset maintenance, project management and much more. NEXGEN Utility Management was established as a result of the utility management industry’s demand for increase performance and efficiency by improving asset management. These asset management industry drivers have led the establishment of NEXGEN to partner with agencies to develop “Strategic Solutions for Next Generation Asset Management”.

Tags: Configuration, maintenance, Preventive, Software, Testing
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by travelling.steve

Stone Fireplace Surrounds – Naturally Durable Type That Requires Less Maintenance

A fireplace surround is a covering put on the outside walls of fireplace. A stone fireplace surround can be carved into any form of you choose. It can vary from modern to traditional designs and is available in different shapes. Some are ready made, while others are custom made. In some cases, stone fireplace surrounds function very much like traditional fireplace mantels.

Stone is a viable material for constructing an outdoor as well as indoor fireplace; as it is long-lasting and non-combustible. This resourceful material can be well-shaped and designed to suit any setting. Stone is a popular material as it works well with underfloor heating, retaining the heat and thereby making it a very cost-effective choice. It is a naturally durable type of floor covering that requires little maintenance and looks extremely elegant almost forever. Stone fireplace surrounds are an inexpensive way to add elegance and style to your room. The ideal place to find it is in stores that deal with fireplace equipment.

What Should You Consider Before Buying a Stone Fireplace Surround?

• The most vital factor to consider before you buy one is size and position of your fireplace. Each fireplace surround is compatible with specific shapes/sizes/types of fireplaces, so identify what shapes/sizes/types those are before you buy.

• Choose a company that has been in the business for making this fireplace surrounds for a while. Also, find a manufacturer that offers a wide variety of surrounds so that you can get some ideas if you don’t know the exact type of stone fireplace surround you want.

• Find as much information about the different types of materials available. If you want stone, find out what types of stones are used. If you want wood, check out what types of wood are available.

• If you opt for customized piece, keep in mind that the more customization necessary, the longer it will take to get your fireplace surround built and completed.

• When choosing a stone fireplace surround, pay close attention to the details. You want to make sure the surround you select will complement your mantel and fireplace.

So as you can see, stone fireplace surrounds have a lot to offer; but there are some details you need to consider before you buy. Consult this guide and you’ll have a better chance finding a surround that will compliment and accentuate the style and elegance of your fireplace.

What is a Wood Fireplace Surround?

Technically, a fireplace surround is an architectural element which surrounds a fireplace, providing aesthetic and safety benefits. A fireplace with a fireplace surround can add a bit of romance to any room.

Types of Wood

Usually wooden surrounds can be supplied in Pine, Oak, Mahogany, Cherry, Maple, Beech, Butternut, Choi, Poplar, Basswood…in fact, pretty much any wood you specify. Natural wood is the best choice whether you want an ornate carved fireplace surround or something simple and colonial in style.

Benefits of a Wood Fireplace Surround

Apart from its other benefits, a fireplace surround is also important for the safety it provides. The surround can provide additional layers of fire protection, making the fireplace less dangerous and more enjoyable.

More Fire Surrounds Articles

Tags: Durable, fireplace, Less, maintenance, Naturally, Requires, Stone, Surrounds, Type
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by Chris Devers

Ease The Confusion With Computer Maintenance Management Software

Does your maintenance department have a hard time trying to keep track of all of the necessary repairs and preventative maintenance procedures that must be performed in order to keep your business running as smoothly as possible?  If so, then you need to check out incorporating computer maintenance management software into their daily routine.

This software is designed to help the maintenance department keep track of all the vital information that they need in order to decrease the down time of machines that break down and the possibility of having to wait on parts.  This software will let them know that scheduled maintenance for a particular machine is just around the corner, it will let them know what parts they will need for the maintenance procedure, when it should be performed in order to be the most beneficial for the company as a whole.

Scheduled downtime versus unplanned downtime means that the required maintenance can be performed quickly, efficiently, and without decreasing production or your bottom line.  Computer maintenance management software has the ability to help make this a reality in your business.  Schedule downtime around the least busy shift to where it doesn’t affect the company negatively.  Doesn’t that sound great?

There are many more benefits to incorporating computer maintenance management software into your maintenance department.  To learn more about this software, make sure that you contact a customer service representative of a company that specializes in this type of software to answer any of the questions that you may have and to learn just how this amazing software can affect your business and help you to increase your profits.  Plus, do not forget about the fact that it will help to make the daily routine of your maintenance workers easier while helping them to stay more organized in every aspect.

Tags: Computer, Confusion, Ease, maintenance, Management, Software
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by Chris Devers

6 Easy Steps For Smart Managing Equipment Maintenance Management Software

We all know that having an equipment maintenance management software is a must inside our company for reducing costs, saving,for availability of assets and even for the cars we own. You will learn how to apply effectively maintenance with or without the power of an equipment maintenance management software. You will need Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word. To begin create a folder in your pc for storing the files we suggest in this tutorial.Name it “My Company Maintenance”

Step1: Organize your environment

One of the most important steps before using an equipment maintenance management software and getting the most from your company is to know your goals about maintenance. So what are your main goals: is it availability, or reduce repairing?

Write down you goal, and lets begin!

Step 2: List and group the assets

You need to group those assets by different or specifics needs for example: all the cars, all the truck of specific year, make,etc. this is in order to define the maintenance tasks and common maintenance routines recommended by the supplier for each group.

One of the benefits that an equipment maintenance management software should give you is grouping your equipment for easy managing and scheduling.

Open Excel and create a note book inside the folder and name it “Assets List.xls”. Add one row per asset.Include the columns: Asset Id, Description, Group, Location

Step 3: Define the tasks

Create a note book inside the folder and name it “Task List.xls”.Add one row per task.For this book include the columns: Task id, Description, Frequency, File name.

Step 4: Define the task content

Open Microsoft Word and create a new document for each task, for each document write a title task, task number, time needed, men needed,tools needed, materials needed, task steps and the special and security considerations. You can name this document “Task Number.doc”

Now in the workbook “Task List.xls” make a link from each row to the corresponding task content file(in the cell just right click and select “Hyperlink…” from the menu)

Step 5: Scheduling

Now you have your asset group list and maintenance tasks written down.
Scheduling maintenance is where an equipment maintenance management software will be most useful. Before setting the scheduling you need to answer some questions:

-Annual budget for maintenance.
-Which assets or equipment you will need available and when?
-Which ones will be working while the others are stopped by maintenance.
-Where will be applied the maintenance, a contractor or internal employee.
-How much time will be needed for this maintenance?

After that, create a new excel book and name it “Scheduling.xls”.It should contain at least the columns:  asset id, asset name, task assigned, task name, scheduled value.
Select the provider manual to help you begin to write down the scheduling values.

Step 6: Typing the data  into an equipment maintenance management software

Finally open your equipment maintenance management software and look where you can add assets, add task, schedule task for typing in the data already recollected by you.

If you want to  try an easy to use equipment maintenance management software and how to control scheduling faster than ever, just click in the link below

Tags: Easy, equipment, maintenance, Management, Managing, Smart, Software, Steps
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by Ken Lund

Bring those Maintenance Costs Down with External Timber Cladding

Some of the most nagging costs attached to owning a home or any building for that matter are maintenance costs. The bills incurred may not seem frequent but they tend to add up and before you know it, maintenance is one of the biggest money guzzlers in your building bills external timber cladding can help you bring these costs down.

Environmental factors tend to degrade ones home and as a consequence maintenance costs go up and home value goes down. The home value goes down as no home buyer is willing to buy a home that requires such frequent maintenance and is not protected from the vagaries of the elements.

external timber cladding remedies this by covering the surfaces of the structure with durable, element proof timber pieces. The timber used during the timber cladding wall modification process may be larch, western red cedar, dry oak elm, green oak or any other durable timber that the cladding company has to offer. Adding acoustical wall panels on the inside may also reduce maintenance costs as well as add acoustic quality to the rooms.

This cladding timber is cured and treated in order to withstand harsh weather conditions, the assault of vermin and any other dangers posed to the building by environmental factors. When cladding, then contractor will evaluate the structure, its location and the possible threats that may affect it.

These may include proximity to a forest prone to summer fires, proliferation of vermin in the area, weather conditions, etc. These factors shall inform them on the best way forward. Once the external timber cladding has been done, maintenance costs drastically decrease as the house is better suited to withstand the elements.

Tags: Bring, cladding, Costs, Down, External, maintenance, those, Timber
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