Your water heater works hard every single day without asking for much in return. Hot showers, clean dishes, and laundry all depend on it, yet most people never give it a second thought until there’s a problem. Learn more about how some spring maintenance can improve your water heater’s life span, performance, and more.

Flush Sediment Out of the Tank

Sediment is the most common yet overlooked issue with tank-style water heaters. Minerals naturally found in tap water settle at the bottom of the tank over time, forming a layer that forces the heating element or burner to work harder to warm the water above it. The symptoms are usually subtle at first: slightly longer wait times for hot water, a popping or rumbling sound during heating cycles, and a gradual increase in energy use.

Flushing the tank each spring helps to pull the buildup out through the drain valve before it becomes dense enough to cause real damage. The process takes less than an hour and requires nothing more than a garden hose and a bucket.

Test the Pressure Relief Valve

The temperature and pressure relief valve is a safety component that prevents the tank from over-pressurizing. It should open and release water when tested and snap back into a closed position cleanly once released. A valve that sticks, drips continuously after testing, or fails to open at all needs to be replaced before it becomes a hazard.

Inspect the Area Around the Unit

Basements and garages have a way of accumulating clutter, and water heaters often end up surrounded by items without anyone noticing. Beyond the obvious fire hazard this creates for gas units, a crowded space restricts the airflow the heater needs to operate safely and efficiently. Take a few minutes to clear the immediate area and look for any of the following while you are at it.

Check the Anode Rod

The anode rod is a metal rod inside the tank that attracts corrosive elements in the water supply. It helps to protect the tank lining in the process, but over time, it can lose its effectiveness. Most rods last between three and five years, depending on water quality, and an anode rod that has been depleted leaves the water tank vulnerable to rust from the inside out. Replacing it every few years is an easy way to add years to a water heater’s life span.

Adjust the Temperature Setting

Many water heaters ship from the factory set at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is higher than most households actually need. The Department of Energy recommends 120 degrees as the sweet spot for most homes, balancing hot water availability with energy savings and reduced mineral buildup in the tank.

Most water heaters have a life span of eight to 12 years, and how they’re maintained plays a significant role in where on that range they land. Paying attention to the unit once a year rather than waiting for it to fail is a habit that pays for itself in efficiency, reliability, and avoided replacement costs. Call Evenflo Plumbing for all of your water heater needs in Corvallis, OR.