The Best Ways to Increase the Lifespan of a Water Heater
Water heater replacement should only occur at the end of the unit's lifecycle or when no other option is available.
Water heater replacement should only occur at the end of the unit's lifecycle or when no other option is available. There are many ways to postpone the replacement and reduce the frequency of repairs. This article seeks to reveal the best of them.
Install an expansion tank
As water heats, it starts to expand. The expanded water often has nowhere to go, which causes the internal pressure to increase. Expansion tanks can attract water in a high volume in the heater and reduce the water pressure.
Without expansion tanks, water heaters reach higher temperatures and are more likely to burst or fail over time.
Set time apart for routine maintenance
Routine maintenance is critical when it comes to prolonging the lifespan of a water heater. These sessions help homeowners identify the parts that need fixing or replacing before they cause irreversible damage or stop working.
Here's how to make sure maintenance goes well:
Make sure the area around the heater is clean
Know how to turn off the water
Write down the model number, serial number, and the type of water heater
It's wise to invest in yearly water heater maintenance checks by professional plumbers to ensure the construction is in safe hands.
Check the gas lines
Gas water heaters connect to a gas line. Therefore, checking the line for any rust, cracks, or leaks is imperative. Should there be any issues, contact a plumbing professional to repair them as soon as possible.
Inspect the pressure relief valve
The pressure relief valve is placed on the side or the top of the water heater. It serves to open and release water automatically if the pressure gets too high. A broken valve failure can cause the water heater to explode in a worst-case scenario.
A simple way to test the valve is to place a bucket underneath it, lift its lever, and release water (a few gallons is enough). Once the valve is closed, the water should stop flowing entirely. If not, the valve most likely needs replacement.
Drain the sediment buildup
The sediment buildup can reduce the overall water heater efficiency and shorten its lifespan. Therefore, water tanks need regular draining to flush the sediments from the bottom. When doing so, use no more than three liters of water and let the water flow until no particles remain in the bucket.
Take care of the anode rod
The anode rod is a metal rod that serves as protection from rust for the water heater. The rod attracts corrosion, so the corroded parts don't make it inside the heater. If more than 50% of the rod is covered in calcium or is corrupted, it's best to replace it.
Best maintenance tips for water heaters
These are the easiest and most efficient maintenance tips to increase the water heaters' lifespan. It's crucial to start with these tips early on to maximize the device's service time.
If, on the other hand, the construction keeps showing issues despite the efforts, it's best to schedule an inspection so that professional plumbers can assess its condition.
Water Wise Plumbing is a local, full-service residential plumbing company serving Las Vegas, Henderson, Paradise, Boulder City, Pahrump, and North Las Vegas. We provide Tankless water heater service, water softeners, water heater flush, leak detection and repair, water line rerouting, pipe installation, hydro-jetting, sewer services, and more. We are family-owned and operated, certified, and insured. We offer flat rate pricing and 24-hour emergency service.Call us today at (702) 605 - 6408
