Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Residential Water Heaters

A residential water heater is essential to keep a home functioning properly. From hot showers to clean clothes, a home’s water heater is responsible for several things you may take for granted—until the heater breaks!

Extend the lifespan of your residential water heater and stay comfortable all year long with 24hr Supply’s handy guide.

Maintain It Regularly

Once a year, hire a professional to perform maintenance on your water heater. In the meantime, check on your water heater once a month. Clean the area around it, make sure you know how to turn off the water and keep your eyes and ears open for anything that doesn’t look or sound right.

Use a Water Softener

Do you live in an area with hard water? That extra calcium and magnesium can form deposits at the bottom of your residential hot water heater and reduce its lifespan. Have a water softener installed to filter out those extra minerals and minimize sediment deposits.

Check Your TPR Valve

Your water heater’s temperature pressure relief (TPR) valve is a safety feature designed to prevent the tank from exploding from too much pressure or heat. Occasionally, sediment buildup can block the opening of that valve, rendering it useless.

Once a month, power down your unit and test the valve a few times by opening and closing it. A functioning valve lets water flow out when it’s open; if no water comes out, hire a professional to replace it.

Inspect the Anode Rod

The anode rod in your water heater sits near the bottom of the tank to attract minerals and prevent them from building up in the tank. If you see visible calcium buildup in your tank, your anode rod has worn out.

Anode rods should be replaced every three to five years to keep your water heater in top condition.

While all residential water heaters have a limited lifespan, you can extend that lifespan by keeping the heater’s components in good condition. Inspect and maintain your heater regularly, taking care to replace any worn-out elements, and you’ll enjoy convenient hot water for years to come.