As winter approaches, water heaters become indispensable to daily life, ensuring hot water for showers, laundry, cooking, and cleaning. Like any electronic equipment, water heaters can experience wear and tear over time. When they stop functioning properly, timely repairs are essential to restore efficiency. However, many homeowners face a common challenge: how to make their water heater last longer after it’s been repaired.
The good news is that with proper care and a few simple maintenance routines, you can significantly extend your water heater’s lifespan and avoid unnecessary repair costs. In this blog, we’ll explore six practical tips to help you keep your water heater running smoothly for years.
6 Ways to Increase Your Water Heater’s Life After Repairs
Water heaters are essential for keeping your home comfortable, but after repairs, they must be adequately maintained for long-term efficacy. By following simple yet effective maintenance instructions, you can extend the life of your water heater and avoid costly future repairs. Here’s how.
- Flush the tank Frequently
Maintaining your water heater in the best possible condition after a repair is crucial. Periodically flushing the tank is one of the simplest ways to accomplish this. Sediment accumulation in the tank’s bottom might lower performance and result in damage. Flushing the tank once a year to remove debris that could clog the system can enhance performance.
Methods for Cleaning the Tank:
- Turn off the power supply or gas to the heater.
- Close the water inlet valve.
- Attach a hose to the drain valve and direct it to a drain.
- Open the drain valve and let the water flow out.
- Once the tank is empty, close the valve, remove the hose, and refill the tank.
Flushing helps maintain efficiency and can prevent costly issues down the line.
- Adjust the Thermostat Temperature
The thermostat setting on your water heater significantly impacts system life and energy efficiency. Setting the temperature too low could result in insufficient hot water while setting it too high could unnecessarily wear down the heating elements.
Ideal Temperature Setting: 120°F is the temperature that the US Department of Energy advises setting on your thermostat. In addition to being warm enough for most domestic requirements, this temperature lowers the possibility of overheating and energy waste.
Advantages of a Well-Set Thermostat:
- Lower energy usage
- increased water heater lifespan
- Preventing accidental burns or scorching
- Insulate Your Water Heater
One of the most excellent methods to maintain the efficiency of your water heater is to insulate it. You can assist in keeping the water temperature and lowering the energy consumption of your water heater by insulating it to stop heat loss.
The Significance of Insulation
- Water stays warm for longer because it keeps heat from leaving.
- It eases the burden on your water heater and keeps it from breaking down too soon.
- It increases efficiency, which decreases your energy costs.
It’s also a good idea to insulate exposed pipes to keep them from freezing in the winter.
- Perform Regular Inspections
It’s crucial to watch your water heater even after repairs. Inspections from professionals like Chicago Plumbing can usually identify issues before they become costly replacements or fixes. Check the area around the tank for any indications of corrosion, leaks, or odd noises.
Things to Look for in Inspections:
Leaks
Examine the area surrounding the heater for any obvious indications of water.
The color rust
Rust around the connectors or tank may be a sign of impending failure.
Unusual Sounds
Popping or rumbling noises may indicate problems with the heating element or sediment accumulation.
If you see any of these symptoms, it’s recommended that you contact an expert to have the system inspected before more damage is done.
- Check the Anode Rod
Your water heater’s anode rod is a crucial part that aids in corrosion prevention. It may deteriorate with time, making the tank susceptible to corrosion and rust. It is smart to check the anode rod every one to two years after a repair.
The Significance of the Anode Rod
- It draws in particles and minerals that would otherwise erode the tank’s interior.
- Avoiding rust it helps your water heater last longer.
The rod has to be changed if it is excessively rusted or covered in mineral deposits.
- Use a Water Softener
If you live in a region with hard water, mineral buildup can negatively impact your water heater. High concentrations of minerals like calcium and magnesium in hard water can cause scale to build up on the heating components and inside the tank. This lowers your heater’s efficiency and may cause it to break down sooner.
A water softener’s advantages include:
- Minimizes the accumulation of minerals within the tank.
- Aids in keeping the heating elements operating efficiently.
- Increases the water heater’s overall lifespan.
Install a water softener to avoid these problems and safeguard your water heater for many years.
The Bottom Line
Maintaining your water heater after repair is essential to extending its lifespan. Things like checking the anode rod, flushing the tank, and modifying the thermostat can significantly impact its lifespan. You can also prolong the lifespan of your system by using a water softener, insulating the heater, and arranging for expert maintenance.
Follow these six suggestions to ensure your water heater runs efficiently and continues to supply your house with dependable hot water. Do not hesitate to contact professionals who can help keep your system in optimal condition if you require professional water heater repairs or maintenance.
Chicago Plumbing guarantees effective and dependable solutions with their expertise in water heater repair. Our top priority is client pleasure, and we provide prompt, reasonably priced maintenance to maintain the optimal operation of your water heater all year long.
