One time I removed rust stains from a counter top just using cleanser with bleach in it. It worked like a charm, but the stains on your steps have probably been there longer and might be deeper. I have never used peroxide for removing rust stains as Sewing suggests, but I'd bet that works as well.
Cement work is what almost all of my family did. My Dad took me to work with him one summer. I joined the Navy just as soon as I could. I knew cement finisher was not a job title I wanted to have.
I have about 50+ clear plastic jars screwed to the ceiling in my shop full of "things".
Never know when you might need a "thing"...I might have a couple "thing" jars around my place too.
Ya know those shorter strings of battery operated party lights you can find at wally world, Michael's, etc.? I had bought some for decor at a wedding but they weren't used so I didn't get to find out how long lasting the batteries (3 new double aa) were. Ive been using them in the bedroom and bathroom for at least 3 months. They do turn off after so many hours, you can simply flip the tiny switch.
Today was my day to clean the water heater. I recommend to do this once or twice a year. I try to do it in the spring and in the fall.
Turn off the power.
Hookup a garden hose to the hose bib at the bottom of the water heater and run outside, to a drain, or into a bucket, anyplace that is lower than the water heater.
Close the cold water inlet.
Open the hose bib at the bottom of the tank.
Open the temperature and pressure relief valve at the top of the tank. This relieves any vacuum and allows the tank to drain.
Drain the tank till the water runs clear. You should see some orange, rusty water. There won't be much if you do this regularly.
Reverse the steps to put the tank back in service.
If you do this regularly your tank will last longer and if you need to salvage the water from the tank for drinking you will have more potable water and less orange sludge.
I take the water hose to them if there is a dog fight and if not handy or not close in range I will throw my coffee cup on them because that is what I normally have in hand.
Too true. If that T&P valve hasn't been opened in several years it is crusted with scale and will unlikely close, or at least properly, and will need to be replaced. Part of me says to let sleeping dogs lay. The other part of me thinks that the T&P valve is likely crusted over to the point where it no longer works and could pose a hazard. You might consider replacing the tank in the summer when you want to rather than wait and replace that end of the house.
The dogs that I want to throw water on are the dogs that are brought to dog parks by their owners who then proceed to trash the only water there for as many as 30 dogs, while the owner does nothing and would never bring water for the dogs.I take the water hose to them if there is a dog fight and if not handy or not close in range I will throw my coffee cup on them because that is what I normally have in hand.
I think you may have the smart solution. Just replace it now before something bad happens. The biggest problem will be getting the old tank out. It's not very accessible and will be a pain to do.
You have two potential problems. The most likely is that you develop a leak like you mentioned. This causes a mess and an aggravation. I found a better video of what happens if, admittedly rare, a water heater overheats and the T&P valve is blocked by scale.
My tank is 18 years old. I plan to replace it but I'm not in a hurry.
