5 Tips to Extend The Life of Your Water Heater

Water heating is the second highest utility expense in your home. A water heater tends to last between eight to twelve years depending on usage, type, and how often your perform maintenance. These five tips will help your water heater maintain high efficiency and lengthen its life span.

1. Regulate the Pressure

If your water pressure is high, above 90 psi, it can be damaging your appliances and cause early failure to your water heater. Install a pressure regulating valve. By doing this the pressure is reduced meaning less wear and tear on your appliances. With a PRV you should really consider having the expansion tank installed.

2. Install a Water Softener

Hard water causes scale buildup because of the amount of minerals present in your water. These deposits build-up on the inside of your water heater and can decrease the lifespan of your appliance.

3. Add another Anode Rod or Replace old Anode Rod

Over time your tank would begin to corrode without the presence of an Anode Rod that corrodes instead. The sacrificial rod is made of magnesium or aluminum and can greatly increase the lifespan of your water heater.

4. Install an Expansion Tank

If you have a closed water heater system than installing an expansion tank can potentially extend the life of the system. When water is heated it expands, this is problematic in a closed system because it doesn’t give the water much space to move. The increase and decrease in water pressure inside the water heater can cause it to wear out quicker. The stress from the change in pressures can cause premature failure to your water heater but also damage your plumbing system.

5. Cleaning or Flushing out Your Tank

Flushing older water tanks out annually helps remove and prevent sediment buildup. This makes your water heater tank more efficient and last longer. Hook up a garden hose to your tank and then drain. Many newer models of water heaters are self-cleaning.

Not sure if your water heater is working properly or if it is time to replace it? Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a free estimate and consultation!