Most homeowners don’t spend much time thinking about their water heater. If we took a survey and asked homeowners if they know how to maintain their water heater, the vast majority would not have a clue. We all want to get the most out of our appliances without having expensive repairs. Additionally, we want our heater to operate at its capacity. Most homeowners buy a water heater, have it installed by a plumber, and never get educated on the benefits of maintaining it. Rarely does the manufacturer’s instructions ever get read. All water heater makers recommend regular maintenance for efficiency and longevity.
Make A Schedule For Maintenance And Place It On Your Water Heater
In most cases, our heater will sit in the corner of our garage somewhere and never get a second look. In the best-case scenario, a homeowner will create a checklist and secure it to their heater. That way, they’ll have an accurate history of inspections and maintenance. Depending on who you talk to, your heater will last 10-12 years, and much of that will hinge on the water quality and maintenance completed. You should complete a regular inspection of your heater once a month, especially if it is up in age. A quick inspection should only take a minute or two. You want to look for any cracks, leaks, or rust. If your storage tank is rusted, it’s time to replace it.
Hard Water Wreaks Havoc On Your Water Heater
The number one way you can prolong your lifespan is by flushing it twice a year. Hard water is notorious in California, and it will wreak havoc on your water heater. Hard water contains several minerals, but the two most common are calcium and magnesium. Appliances that use hot water, such as your water heater, are subject to having these minerals buildup in the storage tank over time. Heating the water can cause the minerals to separate, creating flaky deposits to settle at the tank’s bottom and around the heating element. This causes decreased efficiency because the minerals gather around the heating element causing the water heater to work harder. Another recommendation is keeping your water heater set to 120° because the hotter the water, the faster the minerals will buildup. However, the lower temperature will not stop minerals from building, only slow it down.
Replace the Anode Rod Every 3 Years Will Extend The Life Of Your Water Heater
If you want to extend the life of your heater, have your anode rod checked or replaced every three years. Your heater anode rod is a steel core wire wrapped in aluminum, magnesium, or zinc. The anode rod’s sole purpose is to protect the metal lining of your water heater. Replacing it regularly will avoid tank ulcers, which leads to tank failure. When the anode rod gets inspected, and 25% or less still exists, it needs replacing. Your plumbing professional can flush your tank, inspect or replace your anode rod if necessary.
Whole House Water Treatment
Another excellent way of extending the life of your water heater is to install a whole house water treatment system. There are many benefits to a water filtration system; one is that it removes hard water minerals before they reach your appliances, and that includes your water heater. The other benefits are fresh-tasting water right from the faucet. Another benefit is it will have your hair and skin feeling much softer. You’ll enjoy the fact that there is no calcium buildup on your showerheads and faucets. We all experienced the recent run on bottled water at our local supermarkets due to the pandemic. That problem wouldn’t exist because you would have fresh water right from the tap. Call your Big B’s Plumbing expert today license #986152.
