Water Heater Maintenance Tips for a Longer Lifespan

The water heater is the silent guardian of your plumbing system. It provides you with hot water for showers and baths. It gives you the added temperature needed to tackle dirty dishes and helps to clean your laundry effectively. However, despite all that it provides, routine maintenance for our water heaters is often overlooked in comparison with routine plumbing in Delaware County and other types of maintenance. 

Whether you own a traditional storage-tank water heater or a more modern tankless model, the infusion of proper maintenance can help to prolong its lifespan, improve function and help you avoid the appliance landmines that come from unseen repair costs. Let’s take a look at some of the tried and true ways you can perform regular maintenance on your water heater to avoid being left out in the cold. 

Flush Your Water Heater’s Tank Yearly

One of the simplest and most-effective ways to provide proper care to our water heater comes by way of flushing our tank once a year. After months and years of use, sediment and mineral deposits from your water supply make their home at the bottom of your tank. This creates a barrier between the heating element and the water, forcing your system to work harder and directly affecting how much hot water your family receives. Not only do the short-term disadvantages result in chillier showers, but the long-term consequences can put your heater out of commission far before its prime. Fear not, flushing your tank is simple and just requires a few brief steps.

• Start by turning off power to the heater, if your heater is electric, or set the gas control to “pilot” for gas-powered heaters.

• Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank to allow for safe draining of the tank.

• Open the valve and flush the tank until the sediment no longer shows in the stream and the water runs clear.

• After confirming that you’ve cleared the majority of the sediment, close the valve, refill the tank, and restore power.

Diagnose the Anode Rod to Determine If It Needs to Be Replaced

Your anode rod regularly falls on its sword for the good of your water heater. It does this by intentionally attracting corrosive elements in order to prevent your tank from taking the hit. As you can imagine, as it is literally a lightning rod for corrosion, it will be subject to wear and tear on a daily basis and will need to be replaced periodically to prevent the corrosion of your tank in its place. It’s best to check the anode rod every two to three years. If it’s more than 50% corroded in calcium, it’s time to replace it. However, if your area is known for particularly hard water, this recommended timeline could shorten and it may be appropriate to have it checked yearly. Replacing a worn-out anode rod can extend the lifespan of your tank by several years. 

Test Your Tank’s Temperature and Pressure Release Valve

The process involved in checking your tank’s temperature and pressure release valve is arguably even simpler than flushing your tank. However, this process might even be of greater value as proper function of this valve ensures that your tank doesn’t explode. The testing process for this essential safety mechanism is as follows:

• Start by placing a bucket underneath the valve to control the flow of water.

• Next, gently lift the lever to begin the flow of water. As a result of a system that is working perfectly, water should flow briefly and then stop promptly. 

• If you find that the water doesn’t flow, it’s usually a symptom of a temperature and pressure release valve that has seen better days. It’s wise to have it replaced immediately to safeguard your system and your living space. 

If you happen to delay the replacement of a faulty temperature and pressure release valve, the consequences could be devastating. 

Keep an Eye Out for Rust, Leaks and Moisture

Like many other household apparatuses, the first warning signs are visual and can manifest themselves as rust, water leaks and the buildup of moisture. This is no different with your water heater. Even the most minor occurrences of these telltale signs could be a signifier of serious damage that your water heater has undergone. Left unchecked, what starts as a slow drip can quickly lead to major water damage, mold growth, or even total unit failure. 

Moisture around your heater may also point to hidden corrosion inside the tank, which typically means the unit is nearing the end of its lifespan. It may be a good idea to place a drip pan or similar precaution under an area where you suspect a leak. This can not only help to discover leaks as they happen, but they can also help diagnose if they are a recurring issue or a one-off. If any of these issues manifest themselves, it may be time to call in a professional in Philadelphia water heater repair.

These precautions are vital to the health and longevity of your system and they don’t require much time or labor. Consistency is the key in order to maintain these delicate systems that facilitate so many of the functions we take for granted. However, if you encounter a situation that is too daunting to handle at the DIY level, why not consult the knowledgeable team at Gaceta. We combine our know-how with our one-of-a-kind commitment to customer service to make sure your water heater needs are consistently met. If you have a particular concern about your unit or would like to gather information regarding water heater replacement, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!