08 March 2022 ~ Comments Off
How to Maximize The Life of Your Water Heater
A well-functioning water heater is a staple for any home. The typical life of a residential water heater can range anywhere between 8 to 12 years, maybe more depending on certain factors such as size, brand, etc. Whether you’re buying a new water heater and want to maximize it’s service life, or you’re just looking to get a few more years from an existing heater, this article will help keep your unit running in peak condition for as long as possible. At Harvey Baker Plumbing we’ve provided Orlando are homeowners and business owners with water heater services for over 25 years!
The longevity of your tank is affected by things like the type of water running through it and whether you have maintained a schedule of draining and flushing the tank every year as recommended by tank manufacturers. If you only do one thing to care for your water heater, this is the thing to do. In fact, flushing your tank can double the life of your heater! Flushing your water heater tank will prevent rust and sediment from building up at the bottom of the tank where it can reduce heating efficiency and shorten the life of the water heater. Once or twice a year drain a couple of gallons from your water heater’s drain valve. If the water is clear, you can close the valve and go about your day. However, if you notice a fair amount of dirt and debris in the bucket, you should perform a full flush. Flushing your tank every year is a simple way to keep your water heater healthy.
Another way you can maximize the life of your water heater is checking the T&P valve.
The T&P valve is designed to automatically open and release pressure from inside the tank when it reaches an unsafe level. When water heats, it expands and creates pressure within the tank. We’ll cover this in more detail below when we discuss using an expansion tank, but for now, just know that the T&P valve is in place to prevent a problem if the pressure inside the tank reaches an unsafe level. High pressure within your water heater tank places added stress on the internal components and valves of the water heater, and over time can cause internal damage. The T&P valve should be tested regularly to ensure that its properly working. If the valve is defective, it won’t release the pressure within the tank when it reaches an excessive level.
Corrosion is the number one enemy of water heaters. Once the tank springs a leak, there’s no way to fix it, your only choice is to purchase a new water heater. Checking the element, or anode rod, will also help extend the life of a water heater. Inspecting the element at least once every three years can help minimize the chances of a leak.
At Harvey Baker Plumbing we install and service all conventional gas or electric water heaters, as well as tankless (ondemand) systems. We can provide and install a new heater or install one that you supply. If you are having water heater concerns or experiencing plumbing problems, there is no need to panic as Harvey Baker Plumbing is just a phone call a way. Give us a call in any type of emergency plumbing situation 407.859.3572.
Harvey L. Baker is a certified Orlando plumbing contractor licensed in the State of Florida. He has been in the residential plumbing and commercial plumbing industry for the last 25 years.
To learn more about us and our other services visit Harvey Baker Plumbing. Providing 24hour Residential and Commercial Plumbing in Central Florida. We proudly serve Orange, Osceola, Seminole, West Volusia and East Lake County.
