7 Easy Ways to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater

On an average, an ordinary water heater is expected to last anywhere between 8-12 years. No doubt, that’s quite a significant working life for a modern electrical appliance. But what if we told you that it is possible to extend the life of your water heater?

We’re not pitching for just a couple of years more for your water heater. Our tips can potentially double the life of your water heater. Read on and find out how!

1. Install a water softener

Many regions in the country face the problem of hard water. The water supply has a huge mineral content that can lead to scaling and deposits in the water heater’s internal parts. This problem can reduce the efficiency of your water heater and can soon render the appliance unfit.

The simple solution is to install a water softener to your home’s plumbing. This way there are going to be fewer mineral deposits and the water heater would be thriving for years to come.

2. Pressure-relief valve functioning

Most water heaters are fitted with a pressure-relief valve. The valve acts as a check on the pressure inside the tank. In case the pressure rises way above the pressure settings, the valve releases the excess pressure out. Due to the vital function it performs, it’s very important to ensure that the pressure-relief valve is functioning optimally. You can also test the pressure-relief valve yourself.

3. Empty the heater’s storage tank

Avoiding mineral deposits in the water heater storage tank is inevitable in the long-run. That’s why in order to tackle the mineral deposits, the only surest way out is to flush out the storage tank every once in a while. Once the tank is flushed out, you should thoroughly clean it too. You should empty the water heater storage tank at least twice a year.

4. Gas lines inspection

If you have a gas water heater, you should regularly get the gas lines inspected too. Damaged lines can leak gas which can be dangerous. If you notice any leaks in the gas lines, you should call a plumber and get water heater leaks repaired immediately.

5. Get another anode rod

The anode rod installed inside the water heater prevents the inner lining of the heater from corrosion. But in this process the anode rod itself gets corroded. Usually, the anode rod can be expected to be completely corroded within five years, and needs to be replaced. If you forestall the anode rod replacement, your water heater is likely to get defunct much before its term.

6. Regular maintenance

Water heater maintenance is often ignored by homeowners. Due to infrequent maintenance checks, there is a huge possibility that small leaks and damages would go unnoticed. At least until the problem becomes huge and the signs become loud and clear.

When detected timely, leaks and damages can be repaired quickly and inexpensively.

7. Install an expansion tank for closed system water heaters

A closed system water heater is fitted with a valve that prevents water from the heater from flowing back into the main supply pipe. We all know that water expands when heated. That’s basic science. But this also means that water heaters functioning on a closed system end up dealing with a problem. The heating and cooling of water in the tank can cause fluctuations in water pressure, putting your water heater under constant stress.

Installing an expansion tank makes some room in the water heater storage for these fluctuations. Experts suggest that installing an expansion tank can favorably affect the life of your water heater.