Water heaters last an average of 8 to 12 years, but their lifespan can vary significantly depending on maintenance. Keeping your water heater in top shape prevents surprise breakdowns, boosts efficiency, reduces energy costs, and extends the system’s life. Simple, routine care can save you thousands in repairs or replacements down the road.
In this blog, we’ll share five water heater maintenance tips that can help extend the life of your unit while improving its performance.
5 Water Heater Maintenance Tips to Extend Its Lifespan
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Flush the Tank Annually to Remove Sediment Buildup
One of the most important aspects of water heater maintenance is ensuring that sediment doesn’t build up inside the tank. Over time, minerals from the water—like calcium and magnesium—can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, especially if you have hard water. This sediment buildup can lead to inefficient heating, causing the heater to work harder and use more energy to heat the water.
Flushing the tank annually is an easy way to remove this buildup. It helps maintain water heater efficiency by ensuring the heating elements are not covered in sediment. Here’s how to do it:
- Turn off the power to your water heater. If it’s electric, shut off the power at the breaker box. For gas heaters, turn off the gas valve.
- Shut off the water supply to the heater.
- Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and direct it to a suitable drainage area.
- Open the drain valve and allow the water to flow out until it runs clear.
- Close the valve and refill the tank before turning the power back on.
By flushing your tank once a year, you help avoid overheating, increase the life of your water heater, and keep your water clean!
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Check and Replace the Anode Rod When Needed
The anode rod plays a critical role in preventing corrosion inside your water heater tank. It attracts the corrosive minerals in the water, preventing the tank from rusting and significantly extending its lifespan. However, the anode rod wears out over time, and once it’s gone, the tank becomes susceptible to rust and deterioration.
If this is the only issue, you don’t need to replace the entire water heater. However, inspecting the anode rod regularly (every 2–3 years) is crucial to maintaining a healthy tank. If the rod is worn down or coated in calcium, it’s time for a replacement. The process typically involves removing the old rod and installing a new one, which a professional plumber can do if you’re unsure how to handle it yourself.
A healthy anode rod can help prevent foundation water damage and costly repairs, saving you the expense of replacing the entire unit prematurely.
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Inspect the Pressure Relief Valve for Proper Function
The pressure relief valve (PRV) is one of your water heater’s most important safety features. It relieves excess pressure that builds up inside the tank. Without it, your water heater could overheat or, in extreme cases, explode!
To keep it functioning correctly, inspecting the pressure relief valve regularly is important. To test it, follow these steps:
- Locate the valve on the side of your water heater.
- Lift the lever on the valve (be prepared for a small amount of water to come out).
- If water flows out when you lift the lever, the valve is working fine. If no water comes out or the lever feels stuck, the valve may need to be replaced.
A well-maintained pressure relief valve prevents safety hazards and ensures your water heater runs safely and efficiently.
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Adjust the Thermostat to Prevent Overheating
Many people don’t realize that the thermostat on their water heater plays a crucial role in efficiency and safety. Setting the temperature too high can lead to overheating, which can shorten the lifespan of your unit and raise your energy bills.
The recommended setting for most water heaters is around 120°F (49°C). This temperature is hot enough for most household needs but not so hot that it stresses the system. It’s also the ideal setting to help you save on energy costs, as every 10-degree increase can increase energy consumption by 3–5%.
If you have a smart thermostat for your water heater, ensure it’s calibrated correctly. Checking and adjusting the temperature as needed will help prevent overheating and improve water heater efficiency. Regular thermostat adjustments will keep your unit running smoothly, saving both energy and money.
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Schedule Professional Water Heater Maintenance Annually
While DIY water heater maintenance is a great way to maintain your water heater, it’s also important to call in the professionals for an annual plumbing inspection. A plumber can assess the overall condition of your water heater, identify potential issues before they become serious problems, and offer expert advice on keeping your system in top shape.
During a professional maintenance visit, the plumber will inspect all the essential components, including the anode rod, thermostat, pressure relief valve, and heating elements. They’ll also check for leaks and any signs of wear or damage. Regular professional inspections help identify problems early, saving you from costly repairs or replacements.
If you’re unsure when your water heater was last serviced or need help with any of the maintenance tasks mentioned above, contact Custom Plumbing of Arizona at 602-866-2665 today to schedule a professional inspection and keep your water heater in top condition!