Your water heater is probably one of the most essential appliances in your home. Despite its importance, it is often overlooked when it comes to maintenance or other actions that can extend their lifespan. However, whenever it breaks down, you will realize that you can hardly do without it, especially in the colder months.
Don’t take chances with this vital home appliance. Check out the following 5 easy tips that can help you extend the life of your water heater.
- Learn about the schedule for your water heater maintenance
As long as the maintenance of your water heater is concerned, consistency is key. Therefore, you should take the time to get familiar with the schedule for its maintenance.
Generally, the schedule for maintenance should include:
- Testing of the temperature relief valve – once each year
- Cleaning of the tank – once every year
- Replacement of the anode rod – every 2 to 5 years
- Flushing of the heater – every 4 months
- Inspect the temperature-pressure relief valve
The temperature-pressure relief valve is one of the essential parts of your water heater. Also known as the TPR valve, this component is designed to protect the unit from any damage or explosions by opening up whenever the heat or pressure is excessive.
Nevertheless, whenever the TPR valve is malfunctioning, your water heater is susceptible to explosion or damage. Therefore, checking this component is critical to extending the life of your water heater.
In most cases, problems with the valve are due to accumulated sediment or residue which has blocked the opening of the valve. So, when you are inspecting the temperature-pressure relief valve, check out the opening. Also, look at the flow of water from the drainpipe. Depending on the condition of the valve, you may get rid of the accumulated residue or replace the valve itself.
- Check the anode rod
The main function of the anode rod is to make sure that your water heater does not rust. This component performs this function by drawing the corrosion before it gets to the steel that is found inside the tank. As anode rode continues performing its role, corrosion will be affecting it. And when it is completely corroded, the steel itself will also start rusting.
Of course, you should not allow this to happen. All you need to do is inspect the rod each year. Once you notice that it is partially or fully corroded, get a replacement.
- Add a new expansion tank
Generally, whenever water is heated quickly, it expands. Unfortunately, a closed water heater prevents the backflow of water; therefore, the water cannot go elsewhere after it has expanded. When this occurs repeatedly over a period, your water heater will encounter so much stress due to the accompanying pressure.
Prevent this from happening by simply taking advantage of an expansion tank. The new tank will take the water when it expands; thus, making sure that the water heater does not experience much wear and tear.
- Flush the tank
This should be done once or twice every year. Just drain the water inside the heater and check it. If you notice that the water is dirty, it is time for you to flush and clean the heater. Although some advanced water heaters can clean themselves, you should still endeavor to flush and clean them after a few years.
In conclusion, make your water heater lasts longer by using the tips mentioned above.
