Water heaters are long-lasting but need the right maintenance to extend their lifespan. Different water heaters, like tankless, electric, and gas, may require slightly different maintenance. Consider the following tips on caring for a water heater to ensure reliability and longevity.
SCHEDULE A MAINTENANCE CHECK
The water heater might have leaks or corrosion that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Consider scheduling a professional yearly inspection to check for these problems. The professionals can also check the pressure relief valve that protects the water heater from dangerous overpressure.
FLUSH THE TANK
If the water heater has a tank, flush it periodically to remove sediment. Sediment buildup makes the heater less efficient and might cause it to overheat.
While tankless water heaters don’t have a tank to build up sediment, they still require cleaning. Rather than standard flushing, these tanks need yearly descaling, especially if the area has hard water.
CHECK THE ANODE ROD
The anode rod attracts corrosion that would otherwise contaminate the tank and must be checked every two to three years. If the rod has more than six inches of core steel wire exposed or is coated with calcium, it needs to be replaced.
ADJUST TEMPERATURE
The water heater is more likely to wear out faster if it’s running too hot, so decrease the temperature to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit to increase longevity. This heat reduction also makes the water heater less energy-demanding and reduces scalding risk. Lower temperatures can even slow down mineral buildup and corrosion.
INSULATE OLDER UNITS
Older water heaters that are more exposed and can benefit from added insulation. Insulating the tanks and pipes with pre-slit foam pipe and an insulation blanket can help reduce heat loss, saving energy and money.
KEEP COMPONENTS IN CHECK
Check and clean the air intake occasionally for tankless heaters, as these components can also wear out and corrode. For gas heaters, check the burner assembly and clean it if necessary.
WATER PRESSURE
Excessive water pressure can be harsh on a water heater, tankless, or tank. Make sure the water pressure at home stays within the safe range for the heater, usually between 50 and 60 psi. Be sure to consult the heater manual, which might have more specific water pressure guidelines.
REPLACE BROKEN PARTS
Replace any worn-out or damaged parts, such as the temperature, pressure relief valve, or heating elements, if the heater is electric. These broken parts can be dangerous, so they should be replaced soon.
LASTING HEAT
Preventative maintenance can make the heater last for decades uninterrupted. Consider talking to a professional water heater service for assistance in keeping these devices in top shape.
Water Heater Pros provides water heater installation and replacement services for Las Vegas and surrounding area residents and businesses. Our expert technicians install both traditional and tankless water heaters for homes and other buildings with gas or electric service. We offer the highest quality installers for efficient, versatile water heaters such as Rheem, Ruud, high-efficiency tankless Navien units, and more. Ask about our installation specials.