Replacing a tank water heater can be expensive, but if you maintain your heater, it can last much longer. With good maintenance, many tank water heaters can last 15 years or longer. However, homeowners often forget about water heater maintenance, which can shave years off the lifespan of their appliance.
Water heaters wear out from the constant heating and storage of water. This puts stress on the metal tank and the heating elements, especially due to the minerals that are released from the water. There are simple ways to reduce this stress and prolong the life of your water heater, including these three tips:
- Keep 120-degree temperature. You want your water to be hot enough to kill bacteria, but not overly hot which can put extra stress on the tank and run up your energy bills. Keep your temperature at 120-degrees, a safe level for your needs.
- Drain the tank annually. Releasing the minerals and sediment in the tank can help reduce corrosion and help keep the heating elements efficient. You can do this yourself or your local plumber can do this as part of an annual service.
- Replace sacrificial anode rod. There are sacrificial anode rods in tank water heaters. These are meant to attract minerals to reduce corrosion occurring in the tank but will slowly disintegrate as they do their job and need replacement.
By doing these three maintenance items, along with repairs as needed, you can get more years of life from your tank water heater. Make it easy by scheduling annual service for your water heater with a local plumber. They can drain your tank and check the anode rods and other parts, replacing components as needed to keep your water heater maintained.
Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221
