Extend the Life of Your Water Heater with Regular Maintenance

Water heaters are a vital part of any home. It's almost impossible to imagine life without one. Water heaters are also very expensive to replace. Regular maintenance for your water heater can extend the life of a water heater saving you money.

First off make sure that your water heater is set to the proper temperature. Most manufactures, for safety reasons, suggest that a water heater be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is especially important in homes with small children to reduce the risk of scalding. Setting your water heater to 120 degrees will also save money on your energy bill. You can drop your energy bill even further by insulating your water heater. Most hardware stores will carry water heater jackets (do not use a blanket from your linen closet).

Changing the anode rod in a water heater is a little more labor intensive, but should be done on a yearly basis. If an anode rod is neglected then the water heater tank itself could start to corrode. A professional can change an anode rod if you feel uncomfortable doing it yourself.

Flushing the tank on a yearly basis prevents sediment build up and can significantly increase the lifespan of your water heater. This is also labor intensive, but should also be done on a yearly basis.

Finally, it's important to regularly check the TPR (or temperature-pressure-release) valve on the top or side of your tank. This valve is a safety mechanism that will release excessive pressure in a tank. When inspecting the valve look for any signs of rust or damage. You can also test the functionality of the valve if you suspect it might not be functioning properly (proceed with caution to avoid being burned).

By just taking a few simple steps it's easy to elongate the life of your water heater. Remember, even if you need to hire a professional to do these on a yearly basis it's still cheaper than buying a new water heater.

Is your water heater acting up? Call us now at (860) 896-3342!