Water heaters are frequently overlooked until they fail. It’s only until they stop that you realize just how much they mean to you. Keep an eye out for indicators of concern and keep up with regular maintenance inspections of water heaters to avoid potential issues. Thankfully, you can extend the lifespan of your water heater just by following certain easy ways.
But you need to understand the warning signs to have a thorough knowledge of your water heaters. One most important thing to remember is that the water heater, just like any other appliance, is a bit more complicated than it appears to be. If there are problems, you do not understand it is always in your best interest to hire professional plumbers to deal with the issue.
With that in mind, here are the guidelines for extending your water heater’s life:
Warning signs:
- Not enough hot water: The water heater is supposed to provide adequate hot water according to its limits. Not enough hot water heaters simply mean your water heater is not running as well as it should. Therefore, try to locate the problem or call professionals for a quick inspection.
- Crackling sounds: The crackling sounds are due to the mineral buildup in the tanks. Flushing the water heater often helps. If the minerals are set too deep, flushing most probably will not solve the problem.
- Discoloured water: Discoloured water also means the mineral buildup in your tank. Although you should also run cold water alongside to check if it is a problem with your supply of water.
- Temperature problems: Too hot water or too cold water both are imminent problems. The reasons could include many things starting from unexpected clicks on temperature dials or a problem with your thermostat. Try checking temperature control options and if preliminary checkups are not enough you may need to change your thermostat.
- Age: An old water heater is more likely to show signs of a problem than a new one. Try updating to a new model if there are persistent problems.
Guidelines:
Allow Space for It
Make sure your water heater has plenty of room to operate. This will save you money in the long run and a lot of worries. Make sure there is enough room around it when picking a location for the system to be put. It shouldn’t feel packed in there and also ensure that there is enough room to carry out routine system maintenance inspections without any trouble.
Better airflow reduces the chances of fires by giving the system a breath of fresh air. Keep any cleaning equipment or tools out of the way once you’ve found the ideal location for it.
Install an insulation
There should be insulation surrounding the heater and its pipes.
Insulate your water heater’s pipes using the same length and diameter of pipe insulation that you purchased. Consider utilising a 3/8-inch thick foam self-sticking insulation. This is a proven much better option than others. Insulate both lines with the same material. Cover the pipes as much as possible. This prevents the pipes from overheating or creating condensation in the summer. Insulation also prevents loss of heat and chances of hazards in the property. There is nothing more dangerous in the house than a hot water leak especially if you have children around at your house.
Set the optimum temperature
In order to achieve maximum efficiency set the temperature to 120 degrees after removing the cover. Lower your thermostat by 10 degrees to save 5% on your energy bill. You’ll lose about 5% of your body weight for every 10 degrees it is dropped. Temperature control is not necessary if you plan to stay away from the property for a longer duration, but it may be beneficial if you do so. When you’re going away for an extended amount of time, lower the temperature or turn it off completely. An exterior valve controls a gas water heater. Set it to “Vacation Mode,” which will merely keep the pilot light on.
Expansion tank
Rapid heating causes water to expand. In a closed system, where there is no backflow to the water main, water that expands has nowhere to go but waste. Because of the frequent pressure changes caused by temperature swings, a water heater is put under a lot of strain. An expansion tank can extend the life of your water heater significantly.
Water softener
A high mineral concentration, or “hard water,” can be found in some places. It is more likely that hard water may create mineral deposits within the heater tank, reducing the tank’s life expectancy. Reduce the accumulation of these impurities by installing water softeners.
A water softener is a filtration system that removes the magnesium and calcium-rich compounds from the water.
Maintenance checks
Regular maintenance is a proven way to minimise risks and extend your water heaters’ life. Once-year maintenance is fine but you can also opt for monthly or quarterly maintenance. Routine maintenance includes inspection of every valve and every pipe.
Anode rod inspection
In order to keep the tank from getting rusted, an anode rod is inserted into the heater. The anode rod itself attracts all the corrosion. When the anode rod is completely corroded, your water heater suffers irreparable damage.
If the anode rod is nearly or entirely corroded, replace it immediately. 36-60 months is the average lifespan of anode rods. You may also be able to extend the life of your water heater by installing an additional anode rod on some types.
TPR checkups
The water heater’s T&P valve serves as a designed safety check. When the pressure in the tank rises above a certain level, it instantly releases the pressure to stop an accident. This is a significant part of your water heater therefore, it should be checked often to ensure it is working properly.
Gas lines
Gas water heaters require gas lines. Always inspect your gas pipes for leakage or corrosion. This is important for the overall safety of your property and family.
Flushing the tank
Flush your tank every once in a while to remove unwanted materials and sediments. Flushing regularly also clears out the pipes and other connections. Look after valves, T&P, and thermostats during the flushing. You can flush out any water heater by following simple steps. It requires very little time. A thorough flushing every six months will ensure that there is no dust and debris buildup in your water heater.
Follow the guidelines regularly and check for warning signs to extend the life of your water heater. If you are unsure about any kind of problem it is always better to contact professional plumbers for a check-up and repair.
