Your water heater is an appliance you might not see often but that is certainly used every day. Naturally, it begins to show signs of aging over time, but there are a few ways you can extend its lifespan and ensure that it functions properly for years to come. Keep reading for ways to maximize the life of your water heater!
What to Expect From Your Water Heater
The typical lifespan of a water heater is between 8 and 12 years, but did you know a unit can last closer to 20 years? While this is uncommon, your water heater can last much longer with proper maintenance and care. The lifespan of your water heater depends on a variety of things, including the type of water heater you have, how well the water heater has been maintained, and even the quality of water in your area.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance on your water heater is a great way to extend its lifespan. Schedule yearly tune-ups, where your unit will be inspected, flushed, and cleaned to ensure it functions properly. Having a professional technician regularly examine your water heater can help prevent future issues by catching these problems early on. Your water heater is likely not high up on your list of priorities, but you can trust the Eastern Plumbing technicians are customer-committed and will do whatever it takes to ensure your home is comfortable.
Flush the Tank
A quick and easy chore that can help extend the life of your water heater is to flush your water tank yearly. Over time, sediment will build up in the water heater, causing minerals to settle at the bottom and create a barrier. This can affect how your water heater functions and cause it to work harder than necessary. Flushing will rinse the tank, expose any debris or dirt, and help keep the tank clean. When flushed regularly, your tank can help prolong your water heater’s life, meaning you will likely not need as many repairs or services in the future.
Inspect Parts of Your Water Heater
Another way to maximize the life of your water heater is to inspect the parts and ensure they are working correctly. The pressure-relief valve prevents pressure buildup inside the tank. Check the pressure-relief valve – if water does not come out, it must be replaced. You should also inspect the anode rod yearly. This part keeps the water tank from corroding or rusting by taking on the rust itself. However, once the rod has completely rusted, it will begin to affect the tank and needs to be replaced. This is an easy fix and can significantly affect the lifespan of your water heater.
Test Water Pressure
Finally, you should test your water pressure to protect your water heater and keep it in good condition. If the water pressure is too high, it can put additional wear and tear on your tank and shorten its lifespan. Use a pressure gauge to test – if your water pressure is below 80 psi, you’re in the clear.
Eastern Plumbing is proud to serve communities across Eastern North Carolina and provide quality plumbing services. Whether you need regular maintenance performed on your water heater to maximize its lifespan or you’re in need of a new water heater installation, we can help! We know the importance of a timely response and superior service, which is why we offer emergency plumbing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For any and all plumbing needs, give us a call today at 252-758-7579.
