Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Your Water Heater

A water heater with a tank lasts an average of eight to 12 years. A tankless water heater may last you 20 years or longer. However, you can't receive this kind of longevity unless you take the necessary steps to properly maintain your water heater from the first day you purchase it.

1. Leave Space Around the Water Heater

After you schedule for a water heater installation, you want to leave the space around your water tank open. For example, you don't want to place your broom, dustpan, or other miscellaneous items around your water heater. You also don't want to store paper or anything flammable or combustible around your water heater, either.

2. Decrease Your Water Heater's Temperature

Set your water heater's temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The U.S. Department of Energy states that for every 10 degrees you decrease your water temperature by, you save between three to five percent on your heating costs for your water heater.

Not only do you save money on your energy expenses, but you also reduce how much your water heater has to work. When your water heater works less, you can extend its lifespan.

3. Change Your Water Heater Settings When You're Away

If you go out of town for business or fun, you should shut off your water heater or lower the setting. Some gas water heaters have a vacation setting. This setting leaves your pilot light lit without running your water heater. You'll extend the life of your appliance when you don't allow it to run when you don't need it for extended periods.

4. Change the Anode Rods

When you hire a company for a maintenance call, you should request an anode rod replacement. An anode rod is a part inside of your water heater. It attracts certain elements in your water that can corrode your water heater. Once the anode rod obtains the elements, it dissolves them. Ultimately, this slows the corrosion process in your tank's liner.

Your water heater has an anode rod already. However, it wears out over time. Typically, it consists of either magnesium or possibly aluminum. It'll erode before your tank does, so you'll need to replace it. You can't determine exactly how long your rod will last. However, a tank with a warranty of a few years may have an anode that lasts a little shorter than that.

One with a longer warranty may have a larger anode or possibly two of them. You might want to consider replacing it at some point. If you continue to use your water heater and the anode rod corrodes completely, you put your water heater at risk for rusting out. Once this occurs, your water heater will often leak. Keep in mind that once your water heater starts leaking, a water heater repair company can't usually fix it.

5. Perform Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance can extend the life of your water heater. You should check it regularly for signs of a leak. You'll also want to examine it for damage, such as cracks. Inspect the joints for water leakage or gaps. Routine inspections for any leaking can protect your basement from flooding, which can destroy any items you have in the general vicinity of your water heater.

If you notice that you have any leaks, you should contact a professional for an evaluation and repair. If you have a crack, a water heater repair company will often advise you to replace the entire appliance.