Water heaters can last 10-15 years — or even longer if you have a tankless model. The key to getting a longer lifespan is to take preventative measures to stop heater issues before they arise. Read on to learn the best ways to prevent water heater issues.
Flush Your Water Heater Annually
Flushing refers to draining your water heater to remove excess minerals and dirt. It’s a quick and easy process that should be done at least once a year.
Use Less Hot Water When Possible
Whenever possible, use less hot water. Doing so reduces strain and wear on your water heater. One way you can do this is fill your sink with warm water when doing dishes instead of letting the water run.
Lower the Temperature Setting
Reducing the temperature of your hot water helps out your water heater by reducing the wear and tear that comes from letting excessively hot water sit in a tank. It also helps you out by preventing burns and other damage from hot water that’s a bit too hot.
Check the Anode Rod Every Few Years
A tank-based water heater uses the anode rod to keep minerals away from the tank’s inside surfaces. If the anode rod wears away, minerals and other deposits will collect against the tank and increase the odds of water heater failure. Check the anode rod at least every few years (or more often if you have an older water heater).
Determine If You Have the Right Size Water Heater
Water heater size is based on the amount of people in your home and the size of your home. If you need help determining what’s appropriate for your home, contact a plumber, A water heater that’s too small or too big isn’t going to be efficient.
For instance, if you have a water heater that doesn’t provide enough hot water for your home, it will work harder to attempt to make up for the demand. This increases the risk of needing urgent repairs – or water heater failure.
Consider a Water Softener
If you have issues with mineral-heavy water in your home, consider contacting a plumber to discuss water treatment options. Some of these include water filters for individual sinks and whole-home filtration systems. A whole-home system is more likely to prevent water heater issues since it filters and purifies all water that comes into your home.
Call for Routine Inspections/Maintenance Checks
Lastly, give us a call to schedule routine maintenance checks. During a routine check, we’ll evaluate everything to determine if repairs are necessary. We also look at factors such as temperature settings and the tank’s condition.
Contact Evenflo Plumbing today to take advantage of our water heater services in Corvallis, OR.
