Unfortunately, hot water heaters don’t last as long as you think. With regular tune ups, your average water heater will last about 10 years — that means it may not even make it a decade if you put off scheduled maintenance.
Prolonging the Life of Your Water Heater
Homeowners are often surprised to learn that the average water heater only lasts about 10 years. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple, inexpensive things you can do to prolong its life.
Regular Visual Checks
Most people don’t look at their water heater until they step into the shower and are surprised by cold water. The best way to ensure your heater is working well is to keep an eye out for visual problems, like pooling water, rust, and cracks.
Test the Pressure-Relief Valve
The pressure-relief valve automatically releases pressure when it gets too high in the tank. Essentially, it’s a built-in safety check to ensure the tank doesn’t explode.
Flush the Tank
Odds are, you’re not flushing your tank enough. Every six to 12 months, you should drain a few gallons of water from your tank to get rid of dirt, debris, and sediment that’s built up. While it may not seem important, this is one of the best ways to improve the efficiency of your water heater.
Mr. Rooter of Southeast Wisconsin has been assisting homeowners with their plumbing issues for decades, and our expertise is unmatched! To learn more, give us a call or fill out our form!
