How to Maintain Your Water Heater to Extend its Lifespan

Maintaining your water heater is essential to ensuring its efficiency and extending its lifespan. Many homeowners overlook regular water heater maintenance, which can lead to costly repairs or premature replacement.

Simple, routine tasks can improve your water heater's performance and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

This guide covers five critical steps for keeping your water heater in great shape, covering everything from leak inspections to temperature settings.

By following our expert steps, you'll not only extend the life of your water heater but also save on energy costs and avoid potential damage to your home. Keep reading to dive into each of these five maintenance tasks and learn how to keep your water heater running efficiently for years to come.

Regularly Inspect for Leaks and Corrosion

One of the simplest but most important ways to maintain your water heater is by regularly inspecting it for leaks and corrosion. Over time, small leaks can form in the pipes or tank, leading to larger problems if not addressed. Regular inspections can help catch these early before they escalate into a costly repair or full system failure.

Look for any signs, including:

• Rust
• Water pooling around the base
• Unusual dampness in the surrounding area

Corrosion is another major concern for water heaters, especially older models. Rust on the outside of the tank or any discoloration in the water can indicate that corrosion is already taking place. In these cases, a professional should inspect the tank to determine whether it needs repair or replacement. 

To keep your water heater in top condition, make it a habit to visually inspect both the tank and connections at least once a month. Catching issues early is a simple way to extend the lifespan of your water heater, and doing so will help you avoid more expensive repairs or replacements later.

Flush the Tank Annually

Flushing your water heater tank annually is crucial to removing sediment buildup, which can significantly reduce its efficiency over time. Sediment accumulates at the bottom of the tank, particularly in areas with hard water, and can lead to blockages, inefficient heating, and even cause the tank to overheat.

Draining the tank annually helps clear out this sediment and keeps your water heater working at its best.

The process of flushing a water heater is relatively simple but should be done with care. First, turn off the heater's power supply and allow the water to cool down. Then, attach a hose to the drain valve and direct the water to a safe drainage area.

Once the tank is empty, you can open the cold water valve to flush out any remaining sediment. This not only helps to maintain heating efficiency but also extends the life of the unit by preventing damage caused by sediment buildup.

Neglecting to flush the tank can lead to serious issues down the line, including the need for a full replacement. Keeping this annual maintenance task in your routine ensures the efficiency and longevity of your water heater.

Check the Anode Rod

The anode rod is a vital component of your water heater, designed to prevent rust and corrosion inside the tank. It attracts corrosive elements in the water, protecting the tank’s lining. Over time, the anode rod will rust and need to be replaced. Regularly checking the anode rod is crucial to maintaining the health of your water heater.

A typical anode rod should be inspected every 2-3 years, but this may vary depending on your water quality. To inspect it, you’ll need to shut off the power and water supply to the heater and remove the rod from the top of the tank.

If more than 50% of the rod is corroded, it’s time for a replacement. Failing to replace a deteriorated anode rod can lead to corrosion inside the tank, drastically shortening your water heater's lifespan.

By monitoring the anode rod and replacing it as necessary, you can extend the life of your water heater by years and prevent costly repairs. This simple maintenance task plays a huge role in extending the life of your unit.

Set the Right Temperature

Maintaining the right temperature setting on your water heater can save energy and extend its lifespan. Most experts recommend setting the water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to provide comfortable water temperatures for household use while also reducing the risk of overheating the unit.

Water heaters that are set too high can experience unnecessary strain on their components, leading to faster wear and tear. Conversely, setting the temperature too low might result in the heater working harder to maintain a consistent water temperature, leading to inefficiency.

Choosing the optimal temperature can prevent damage to the system and improve its energy efficiency.

Setting the temperature to 120 degrees can also help prevent accidental scalding in households with small children. This simple adjustment is one of the easiest ways to maintain your water heater and ensure its performance over time.

Insulate the Water Heater

Insulating your water heater, especially if it’s located in a cold area like a garage or basement, can help maintain its efficiency and extend its life. Proper insulation reduces heat loss, meaning the unit doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain hot water, which can lower energy bills and reduce wear on the heater.

Water heater insulation blankets are widely available and easy to install. They are designed to fit around the heater, providing extra protection against the cold. Pipes connected to the heater can also be insulated, further improving the system’s efficiency by preventing heat loss as water travels to various parts of your home.

While modern water heaters are typically more energy-efficient, adding extra insulation can provide even more savings and protection.

This is especially important in colder climates where heat loss is more significant. By insulating your water heater, you help it run more efficiently, prolonging its lifespan and reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

How We Can Help You Maintain Your Water Heater

At Tiger Plumbing, Heating, & Air, we understand the importance of regular maintenance to extend the life of your water heater. From conducting thorough inspections to replacing the anode rod and flushing the tank, our team of professionals can assist with every aspect of water heater maintenance.

We offer expert services to help you maintain the optimal temperature, ensure insulation is in place, and catch potential issues early before they turn into costly repairs.

Whether you need help replacing a worn-out component or your plumbing system needs support, we’re here to provide quality service in the Twin Cities. 

Reach out online or call our Eden Prarie office at 612-445-3030 today!