When you invest your hard-earned money in appliances for your home, you want to ensure that they last as long as possible. When it comes to your water heater, there are multiple things you can do regularly to help ensure your appliance’s overall longevity and health. Always be sure to seek out professional assistance when needed.
Get It Flushed Often
As water enters your water heater, sediments, including minerals like calcium and magnesium, will accumulate inside your tank. Hard water will contain even more of these unwanted sediments. If left for too long in your tank, these sediments can cause interior corrosion and lead to the need for premature replacement.
Instead, you should have your water heater flushed at least once a year. Flushing means just how it sounds. All the water in your water heater tank is drained out, and new water is put back in it. The idea is that the sediment accumulating on your tank’s bottom will be flushed out with the water. If you live in a region of the country that experiences hard water, it’s a great idea to flush your water heater more often, as you’ll have more sediment buildup than most.
Check Its Anode Rod Regularly
One or more anode rods will be inside your water heater. These rods are installed as a first line of defense against tank corrosion. The anode rod attracts harmful minerals and sediment from your water heater tank. Instead of eroding the interior of the tank, these harmful substances will erode the anode rod.
When your water heater is flushed, it’s a good idea to have your plumber check the state of your anode rod. If the rod is severely corroded, then it’s time for a replacement. You can expect to replace your anode rods every three to five years. These rods go a long way in protecting the integrity of your water heater’s interior.
Use Wrapped Insulation
Most homeowners need to realize that their water heater tanks can lose up to 40 percent of their heat when exposed to air. One of the best investments you can make for the longevity of your water heater is to wrap it in insulation. This necessary barrier will help to hold heat in your water heater’s tank. The more heat loss you can prevent, the less often your water heater elements must run to keep your water at an ideal temperature.
Consider Installing a Water Softener
As you’ve learned, hard water is the mortal enemy of your water heater’s longevity. One of the best things you can do to combat hard water is to install a water softener in your water supply line. This can help drastically reduce the amount of excess mineral buildup inside your tank. With fewer minerals coming into your tank, you can expect it to last much longer before unwanted interior tank corrosion occurs.
Inspect Its Pressure Relief Valve Regularly
All tank-style water heaters will have a pressure relief valve near the tank’s top. This valve’s job is to open up when excessive pressure buildup is inside your water heater tank. This situation happens when the tank simply gets too hot. This relief valve helps extend your tank’s overall longevity by releasing excess pressure inside your tank.
Have a licensed plumber inspect the pressure relief valve as part of your yearly flushing. They’ll check for corrosion built-up or other obstructions that could potentially hinder its performance. This task only takes a few seconds and can prevent your water heater tank from rupturing.
Be Mindful of Installation Location
Where your water heater is located can significantly impact its overall lifespan. You want to choose a location that gives it plenty of open space to operate efficiently. Furthermore, it provides adequate space for performing necessary maintenance tasks and goes a long way in preventing accidental damage from occurring. Ensure your water heater is installed on cement blocks to help protect the tank from any potential water damage caused by flood water intrusion.
Reliable Water Heater Service
Loyalty Plumbing provides reliable water heater service to the Las Vegas, NV, community. Our experienced plumbers can assist with your leak detection, water filtration, gas line, toilet, faucet, and drain needs. Give our office a call today to schedule your next tank or tankless water heater service consultation.
