Conventional storage tank water heaters will last about 10 years if you never do any preventive maintenance on them. But, with some basic regularly scheduled maintenance, the life of water heaters can be extended by several years.
You can take the following steps to ensure that your water heater runs efficiently for many years. Work with safety in mind and ask for professional advice or schedule an inexpensive service call if you’re not confident in what you’re doing. Heavy rubber gloves are a good idea when working with hot water. You should always turn off the power to electric water heaters before working on them.
Check your hot water heater’s temperature setting. Unless you have an unheated dishwasher that requires hotter water, you don’t need your water heater temperature to be higher than 120 degrees. Keeping your heater temperature set this low will save energy, minimize the chance of scalding injuries, and slow the buildup of mineral scale in your tank.
Once or twice per year, test the pressure/temperature relief valve on your hot water tank. Be aware that the valve and water coming from it could be very hot. Open the valve part-way until you hear water gurgling in the relief pipe, then release it quickly. It should snap back and seal completely. If water does not flow when the valve is opened, or if the valve leaks when it’s closed, you should have it replaced.
On a regular schedule (the frequency will depend on how quickly your tank gets significant sediment buildup), partially drain your tank using the valve near the bottom of the heater. Drain water into a bucket or through a length of hose directed outside or into a floor drain. Look for cloudy or rusty water leaving the tank. Close the valve when the water runs clear. Do not completely drain the tank if your gas water heater is still running.
Contact us at Glasco Heating & Air Conditioning for advice on water heater maintenance. We help homeowners throughout Connecticut with installation and maintenance of their hot water and HVAC systems.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about water heaters and other HVAC topics, visit our website.
Glasco Heating & Air Conditioning services South Windsor, Connecticut and the surrounding areas.