How To Extend The Lifespan Of A Water Heater

The average lifespan of a water heater is 10-12 years. As the backbone of your home water needs, a properly functioning water heater means having hot showers, clean laundry and dishes, and more. While replacing an old water heater is best left to a professional plumbing company, there are ways that you can maintain your water heater at home. This article serves as a simple guide on how to extend the lifespan of your water heater.

Change the temperature

Some manufacturers will set the temperature of your water to 135 degrees or higher. While the extra few degrees makes for warm showers, higher temperatures can cause mineral buildup and pipe corrosion to occur more quickly. Setting your water heater temperature between 120 and 125 degrees Fahrenheit will prevent the tank from getting damaged and help preserve energy that might be wasted through the loss of heat.

Invest in a water softener

Minerals in our water separate and settle in your tank as it’s used throughout the year. By installing a water softener, you can cut down on the amount of sediment buildup in your tank. This is a simple solution to keep your water tank running longer and more efficiently.

Flush the tank every few months

Because of hard water minerals building up in your tank, it’s crucial to drain or flush the water heater tank every four to six months. This requires hooking up a hose to the drain on your water heater and letting the water drain out outside of your home. Flushing the tank correctly requires an understanding of whether or not the water heater is gas or electric and turning off the cold water supply before flushing the tank. We recommend having a professional come out initially to ensure the tank is appropriately flushed and that the right steps are taken for you and your family’s safety. 

Check the pressure relief valve

Leaks are often caused by a poorly functioning temperature pressure relief valve (TPR valve). A TPR valve that freezes or stops working can also be a considerable threat to home safety, and hopefully not to scare you, can lead to a pressure-related explosion. 

Testing the TPR valve is safe and relatively painless. Start by raising and lowering the test lever a few times that’s fastened to a brass stem on your water heater. If it’s working correctly, there will be a rush of hot water coming from the drainpipe. If no or just a little trickle of water comes out, the valve needs replacement. If you see a leak resulting from your test, pump the valve a few more times to dislodge any debris. If more issues seem to occur, contact a professional. 

Routine maintenance on your water heater increases the likelihood of your system running longer and limiting the need for costly repairs down the road. We always suggest consulting with a professional for your home plumbing, as not all systems are the same, and a licensed plumber will know how to serve your specific plumbing needs best.

Frontier Plumbing of Las Vegas is a full-service commercial and residential plumbing company offering a full spectrum of plumbing services. We are determined to exceed your expectations! Call 702-602-6705 today!