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Essential Tips on Extending the Life of Your Water Heater

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Water heaters are essential for day-to-day convenience. They provide hot water for showers, dishwashing, and laundry. But, when they break down, they can cause major headaches.

There are two main types of water heaters: electric and gas. Electric water heaters are the most common type in the United States. They use electricity to heat water. Gas water heaters use natural gas or propane to heat water.

Water heaters should be serviced by a qualified technician every few years to prevent breakdowns. Most repairs can be done quickly and easily, but some may require the replacement of the entire unit.

While water heaters aren’t meant to last forever, they should at least last for a long time. All too often, people fail to see the signs that their water heater is giving up earlier than it should. In today’s article, let’s explore a few simple tips to help extend the life of your water heater.

Here’s what you need to know:

Do Regular Maintenance Checks

If you want your water heater to last as long as possible, you need to do regular maintenance checks. These checks should include flushing the tank, checking the anode rod, and inspecting the valves and connections.

If you don’t feel comfortable doing these things yourself, you can always hire a professional to do it for you. Just make sure you get someone experienced and qualified to work on your water heater.

Check the Pressure Relief Valve

It’s essential to check the pressure relief valve on your water heater periodically to make sure it’s working properly. If the valve is stuck or not releasing pressure properly, it could cause the water heater to explode.

To check the valve, open the valve all the way and then let go. If the valve doesn’t close on its own, it needs to be replaced.

Flush the Tank

Remember also to flush your tank. This removes any sediment built up on the bottom of the tank. Sediment can cause the water heater to work less efficiently and lead to premature failure.

To flush the tank, attach a hose to the drain valve and open it up. Let the water run until it’s clear.

Check the Anode Rod

The anode rod essentially protects the tank from corrosion. Over time, the anode rod will corrode and need to be replaced.

To check the anode rod, remove it from the tank and inspect it. If the rod is more than 50% corroded, it must be replaced.

Inspect the Valves and Connections

Finally, you should inspect the valves and connections to ensure they’re all tight and leak-free. If any valves or connections are loose, they could cause water to leak from the tank. If you find leaks, simply tighten the connection or replace the valve.

Adjust the Temperature

Water heaters are designed to heat water to a specific temperature, but they can become less efficient over time. This is because the water inside the tank begins to cool off, and the heating elements must work harder to heat it back up.

One way to combat this is to adjust the temperature of your water heater. Raising the temperature ensures the water stays hot and the heating elements don’t have to work as hard.

The Bottom Line

You can do a few things to extend your water heater’s life. First, flush your water heater regularly to remove any sediment that has built up. Second, ensure that your water heater is set to the correct temperature – not too hot and not too cold. Third, insulate your water heater to prevent heat loss.

If you are looking for furnace repair services in Pickering, we can help you. Climate Experts is a Canadian-owned and operated company serving the Durham region, GTA, and the surrounding area. We install, service, and maintain all major brands of furnaces and air conditioners. Our services are available 24/7 and for emergencies. You can count on us to get your HVAC system up and running in no time! Contact us today to learn more and get started.

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