Having to pay for a new water heater can be pricey. But there are certain steps you can take to help your water heater hold out a little longer.

Most water heaters last about 10-12 years before they need to be replaced, that is if you put these steps into practice. Give your water heater the proper maintenance it requires for a longer life expectancy by following these steps:

• Annual Checkup

  Just like you need an annual checkup with your physician, your water heater also needs to be checked annually for any problems that need to be addressed. Occasionally check that the tank or pipes are not leaking and check that its temperature settings are steady as well. A good temperature for your tank to be at 120 °F.

  Contact a plumbing service specialist to resolve any concerns you find or to conduct a professional inspection to catch any other potential issues.

• Test Pressure Valve

  Part of your tank’s annual checkup should include testing the pressure relief valve. This is what releases pressure from the tank to prevent it from pressurizing too much and exploding. This valve needs to be working properly or the consequences could be severe!

  You should hear air being released when you pull the valve’s lever and possibly see it release water as well. If this doesn’t happen, or if the water continues running or leaking after you’ve tested it, then it’s time to replace the valve for your water heater to keep functioning.

• Repair Insulation

  A poorly insulated water heater may not shorten its lifespan, but it can cost you. If your water heater is well-insulated, it will keep more heat in and require less energy to run. This can then lower your monthly energy bills when heat and energy are not escaping.

  Check that there are no problems with the insulation around the pipes and tank. Wrap both hot and cold pipes well with insulation tape and the tank with an insulation blanket. Replace any insulation that looks worse for wear or that isn’t holding in heat well.

• Flush Fluids

  Flushing the water in your water heater tank should be done at least once a year to prolong the heater’s life. Sediment builds up inside water tanks overtime. This not only creates a loud, annoying noise, but can cause future problems that may keep your water heater from running as well as it should.

  You can flush the tank on your own, or again, hire a professional plumber to provide this annual maintenance for a longer-lasting water heater.

• New Anode Rod

  At least once every three years, your water heater’s anode rod should be replaced. This rod is inside your water heater and helps keep rust from forming so that your tank won’t corrode.

  If you fail to replace the anode rod regularly, it will become less efficient at its job, meaning that your tank will corrode much quicker and need replacing sooner. A licensed plumber can help inspect your anode rod to determine if it’s time to get a new one.

Water Heater Services in Delmarva

Get the help your water heater needs from plumbing specialists at F.H. Furr. We’ve provided outstanding plumbing services to Delmarva residents for over 80 years. Our affordable prices and dedication to serving you make us the best plumbers around. Contact us today for annual plumbing maintenance, repairs or replacements!