Your water heater is perhaps the most underappreciated appliance in your home. But if anything is wrong with it, you feel it immediately, especially during the winter.
Normally, water heaters last up to 8 to 12 years, but there are many issues that can cut this lifespan by half. To prevent this, we have listed some useful tips to extend the life of your water heater. It will help you keep your system functioning at peak for longer.
Top Ways to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater
1. Add an Expansion Tank
Adding an expansion tank to your water heater can help it last much longer, as its function is to let the water heater expand when it heats and contracts as it cools down.
It prevents your heater from gaining a high internal temperature due to pressure changes and protects it from cracks and system failure. Without an expansion tank, there is a high risk of damage to your walls and ceilings from water leaks due to high pressure.
2. Check the Gas Lines
If your water heater is linked to a gas line, inspect it regularly. Check for rust, cracks, and leaks. If you notice any signs of these issues, call an expert plumber immediately to avoid expensive repairs down the line.
3. Drain the Tank Once a Year
Due to regular use and minerals in your water supply, some sediments can settle at the bottom of the water heater’s tank. It can lead to internal corrosion that affects the performance of your heater.
Flushing your water heater once a year will help eliminate sediment and mineral buildup. To drain a water heater, turn off the power supply. Then, attach a garden hose to the heater’s drain valve and direct it to a bucket.
Open the pressure relief valve on the heater and turn on all the hot water faucets in your home. Once the tank is empty, close the drain valve and turn on the power. Finally, allow the tank to refill and close the pressure valve.
4. Test the Pressure Relief Valve
A pressure relief valve is a safety feature located either at the top or side of your water heater. Its function is to open on its own and release water when the pressure inside the heater gets too high. If the valve doesn’t work properly, your heater can explode.
So, test out your pressure relief valve by placing a bucket underneath it, pulling the lever, and releasing a few gallons of water. Close the valve, and if the water doesn’t stop flowing, you’ll need to replace it.
5. Inspect the Anode Rod
An anode rod is a small magnesium or aluminum item that protects the water tank from corrosion. But eventually, anode rods become corroded due to years of fighting rust.
Usually, anode rods last for 5-6 years, but you should check them annually to ensure they haven’t rusted completely. You will know there is an issue with the anode rod if you see brown discoloration on the tank’s exterior.
6. Install a Water Softener
If you live in an area where there is a high mineral concentration, consider installing a water softener to extend the life of your water heater. It will filter out all the minerals responsible for hard water, making your system function smoothly and saving money.
7. Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is the best way to extend the life of your water heater. It will Protect your water heater from damage and save you the cost of expensive replacements.
At Castle Rock Heating & Air, we can inspect and fix any issue with your water heater. Our effective maintenance will add years to your water heater’s life and keep it functioning at its best.
