How to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater

A standard water heater’s life expectancy is between eight to twelve years. Electric water heaters can work up to twelve years, whereas gas water heaters can work up to six years. If you maintain both water heaters, their life expectancy can increase.

Some water heaters even last for more than twelve years, but it all depends on how the owner maintains the water heater. There are issues with the water heater that you need to keep a check on to extend the life of your water heater. To maintain your water heater and make it last for longer years, you can try these tips.

Replace Anode Rod

The anode rod is a metal rod installed inside the water heater tank. It does not let corrosion grow inside the water tank. The rod pulls all the corrosion and debris to itself and saves the tank from corroding. Anode rods can last up to three to five years, but you must check them yearly.

If the rod is almost or completely corroded, then you would need to replace it. The corroded rod won’t be able to attract corrosion, and the tank will start getting corroded.

Flush the Tank

You should flush out the water from your tank every six or twelve months. Drain a few amounts of water from the tank into a bucket and examine if there is any debris or dirt in the water. If dirt or debris appears, then you should perform a thorough cleaning of the water heater.

Sediments can get deposited on the tank floor, which can make your tank take more time to heat the water. This will affect your pocket as your utility bill will shoot up.

Replace the Pressure Relief Valve

A pressure relief valve (PVR) is a built-in safety feature for the water heater. The pressure relief valve automatically releases the pressure that builds up inside the water heater due to water and air heating. This safety valve prevents your tank from an explosion and makes your tank function for a long time.

So check the valve regularly. The valve is situated on the side or top of the tank. You will have to lift the lever and see if the water is discharging from the valve. If the water is not discharged by the valve, then you need to replace it. 

Perform Maintenance Checks

Have a regular maintenance check of your tank, say every three months. Examine for any corrosion, gaps, or water leakage. Water leakage should be attended to quickly because if not, then it could lead to waterlogging in the basement. You can conduct the maintenance check yourself, or you can call a professional to do it.

Keeping an attentive eye on your water heater will help you to recognize any problem with it well in time. Identifying issues and getting them addressed by professionals will help to increase the lifetime of your water heater tank.

Capital Plumbing & Heating Ltd.

With over 20+ years of industry experience, Capital Plumbing offers the best in the business if you need expert plumbing, heating, cooling, or HVAC services in Edmonton that you can trust for the long term.