WATER HEATER MAINTENANCE TIPS TO EXTEND ITS LIFE

Whether your home has a gas or electric water heater, staying on top of a regular maintenance checklist is key to making sure this appliance lasts for its full 10 to 20 year lifespan.

With a little bit of plumbing knowledge and some basic DIY skills—plus a professional inspection every few years—you actually can carry out most water heater maintenance yourself.

Water Heater Maintenance Safety

Water heaters are complex, and maintaining them requires safety measures to avoid the risk of burns. Most of the time, your heater contains scalding water under pressure, which can spray from the pressure-relief valve. Gas water heaters also rely on flammable natural gas that can leak from valves or pipes and create a dangerous situation.

If you find any issues when conducting maintenance on the unit, it's best to leave repairs to the professionals.

Warning

When inspecting and maintaining your water heater, wear protective gloves, eye goggles, and appropriate clothing.

Inspections

You should visually inspect your water heater once every two to three months, and have a full professional inspection every four to five years.

A DIY inspection involves checking the around water heater's body, pipes, gaskets, screws, and other connections for any leaks, wear, or corrosion. Make sure to also check the thermostat setting every few months to ensure it's set between 120°F and 140°F.

If you spot any issues during this process and aren't sure how to fix them yourself, call a technician.

Flush the Water Heater

One of the most important maintenance tasks is flushing the water heater at least once a year. This will clear out any sediment build-up, and can help to increase the performance and lifespan of the heater.

Turn off the thermostat and shut down the water supply to the tank the night before to give the water inside time to cool down. The next day, turn off power to the heater, open a nearby faucet, connect a garden hose to the heater's drain valve, and turn the water back on, allowing all water in the tank—and any built-up sediment—to flush out.

Check the Anode Rod

An anode rod is a piece of metal near the top of water heater tanks that attracts minerals and sediment, preventing the inside of the tank from corroding. The rod will naturally corrode over time as it does its job, so it needs to be checked (and potentially replaced) every three to five years.

Start by turning off the water heater power to the unit. Next, attach a hose to the drain valve and clear about 10 percent of the water from the tank. Remove the anode rod to check for corrosion, then reinstall or replace it.

Test the Temperature and Pressure (T&P) Valve

The temperature and pressure (T&P) valve is designed to automatically open when the pressure inside the tank is too high, helping to relieve pressure and prevent the risk of explosion.

Take a few minutes to test the T&P valve once every two to three months. First, locate the T&P valve on the top or side of the unit, and remove the attached drain pipe attached using a set of pliers or a plumber's wrench. Gently lift the T&P valve lever to check if water and air escape, taking care to avoid contact with any water or steam.

Types of Water Heaters

There are several different types of water heaters, and the one (or ones) found in your home will typically be the type best suited to its size, use, efficiency, and running costs:

• Tank water heaters are one of the most common and affordable types, and typically can hold 30-80 gallons of hot water. They are powered by gas or electricity.
• Tankless water heaters are also gas or electric, used in smaller homes and apartments, and generate endless hot water on demand. They are more expensive than water heaters with tanks.
• Point-of-use water heaters power one fixture—usually a shower—and are more affordable but less efficient than other types.
• Solar-powered water heaters are primarily powered by solar panels, and can be found on the roof or inside the home in sunnier areas.
• Hybrid water heaters have tanks and heat pump systems to draw heat from the air and ground, and are usually found in larger homes in warmer climates.
• Combination boiler water heaters are compact appliances that heat up both the home and water, and are very efficient for smaller spaces.
• Condensing water heaters are efficient and environmentally friendly, relying on waste gas fumes from other home systems. They are larger and more expensive than many other types.

Water Heater Parts

Although there are some differences between a tankless water heater and one with a tank, there are a few parts to be aware of when carrying out maintenance:

Water heaters with tanks typically have a main tank and an expansion tank. On and around the main tank, you'll find the cold water entry valve, drain valve, temperature and pressure valve with an attached overflow pipe, and thermostat. The anode rod is located inside and near the top of the tank, and gas-powered water heaters will also have a gas supply valve.

Tankless heaters also have cold water and gas supply valves, and pressure relief or purge valves that work similarly to a T&P valve with tank water heaters. They heat water with an element called a heat exchanger, and are mostly self-maintaining.

Tip

To flush a tankless water heater, you'll need to pour in a descaler and allow it to drain through one of your home's faucets for about 45 minutes to an hour.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Maintenance

It's a good idea to set reminders for regular maintenance and checks, but sometimes your water heater and water flow in the home will show signs that a flush or part replacement may need to happen sooner than expected:

• A decrease in water pressure
• Water heating inconsistently, or taking longer to heat than usual
• Any discoloration or odor when you run the hot water
• Rumbling noises when you try to use hot water
• A sudden increase in your water bills, even if usage has not changed

Extending Your Water Heater's Lifespan

Staying on top of water heater maintenance tasks is the best way to extend its lifespan, but there are a couple of other steps you can take to minimize wear and tear.

It's always a good idea to install a water heater expansion tank to relieve unnecessary pressure if you don't have one already, and if you're leaving home for an extended period, remember to turn the thermostat down or set the water heater to vacation mode.

Another way to extend the lifespan of your water heater is to keep it well-insulated. Consider covering it with a water heater blanket to cut down on the amount of energy and exertion it uses.

When to Replace Your Water Heater

In most cases, issues with water pressure or inconsistent heating will go away once you perform an annual flush. But if you're having to call for frequent repairs, there are still leaks after flushing, or you see any signs of corrosion through rust-colored, metallic-smelling and tasting water, you'll need to have the entire appliance replaced.

It's also best to replace your water heater once it reaches the end of its lifespan: 10 to 15 years for water heaters with tanks, and 20 for tankless heaters.

When to Call A Professional

Aside from the full inspection every four to five years, calling a professional for any issues you notice—whether they're in your day-do-day life, during your inspection, or while carrying DIY maintenance—is always a good idea.

If you struggle to turn valves or open anything during a flush or anode rod check, pause the process and call an expert instead of trying to force something open. Using too much force on a valve can cause it to break and lead to leaks, floods, or even tank explosions.

2023-10-27T10:27:21Z