6 Tips toExtend the Life of Your Water Heater
6 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater
I recently inspected a water heater that was over 25 years old. The owners took great care in maintaining it and greatly extended its life. The average lifespan of a gas water heater is 8-12 years, electric averages 10-15 years. With proper maintenance you can extend the life of your water heater and potentially reduce your energy bills. Following these 6 maintenance tips can help you achieve this goal and save you money. If you are not comfortable working with your water heater, please consult a professional.
1. Test your TPR valve
The TPR valve, or Temperature Pressure Valve, is a safety device that will activate if the temperature or pressure get too high. To test, shut off the power and cold water supply. Place a bucket underneath the pipe at the end of the TPR valve. Lift the valve's tab to let some water out, then let go. If water keeps flowing, drain the tank partway, unscrew the old valve with a pipe wrench, and install a new one. Take your old valve into Lowes or Home Depot and match up.
2. Check the anode rod
This is a long, usually aluminum rod, that extends from the top through the tank. It is used to attract sediment and corrosive minerals in the water. It is essential to extend the life of your water heater. Follow these steps to replace. Attach a garden hose to the drain at the bottom and let out a few gallons of water. Using a wrench you can unscrew the rod. If the rod is 50% gone or covered in calcium it needs to be replaced.
3. Drain the tank and wash out sediment
As your water heater refills, over time it adds small amounts of sediment each time. This adds up and lowers its effectiveness and efficiency. At least yearly, homeowners should drain their water heater. With the hose still attached from above, continue draining the rest of the tank. Stir up the sediment by briefly opening the cold water supply and adding more water. Repeat until the water comes out clear. Close the drain, refill the tank, and turn the power back on.
4. Change the Temperature
This will have the biggest impact on your utility bill, the lower you have the temperature, the more you save. Find the Dial and turn it down to a temperature you and your family can live with. For every 10 degrees you turn it down, you can save roughly 5% in energy costs. This also helps with safety from being scalded.
5. Insulate the pipes
Buy some pipe insulation at Lowes or Home Depot and insulate both the hot and cold side. Obviously the hot side to keep the heat in and the cold side will help prevent condensation in the summer. Please note if you have a gas water heater to keep the insulation at least 6 inches from the exhaust pipe at the top.
6. Insulate the water heater
Your local hardware store also sells insulation to go around your water heater. Wrap this around the water heater and hold it together with foil tape. Do not insulate the top on a gas water heater.
Doing these 6 things at least annually can help greatly extend the life of your water and save you money. Again, if you are not comfortable with any of these, please contact a professional to service your water heater.
