Depending on how well your water heater was manufactured and installed, as well as the volume and quality of water running through it, you can expect it to last 8-12 years. The other major factor in determining your water heater’s lifespan? How well you take care of it.
To prolong your water heater’s life and improve its efficiency, follow these maintenance tips:
- Wear protective gear—especially gloves and goggles—when you perform maintenance on your water heater.
- Check the temperature-pressure-relief (TPR) valve yearly. The TPR valve prevents your water heater from exploding if it over-pressurizes. Turn off the power or gas to the unit, and close the cold-water inlet. With a bucket under the pipe connected to the TPR valve, lift the tab on the valve. If you don’t hear a rush of air, or if you don’t see water or vapor escaping through the valve, replace it. Likewise, if water continues to drip from the TPR valve after you release the tab, replace it.
- Flush the water heater tank yearly. With the cold-water inlet turned off, connect a garden hose to the drain valve, and run the other end of the hose to a floor drain or bucket. Next, open the drain valve. When the tank has emptied, turn on the cold water supply for a few seconds to flush any remaining sediment from the bottom of the tank. When the water’s running clear, close the drain, refill the tank, and turn the power back on. Make sure the tank is completely full before restoring power.
- Check the anode rod yearly. While your tank is drained, it’s a good idea to check the condition of your anode rod, which helps to prevent corrosion inside the tank. Using a socket wrench, loosen it from the top of the tank, and pull it out. If it’s significantly deteriorated or covered with mineral deposits, replace it.
- Maintain appropriate temperature levels. In most areas, setting your water heater to 120-degrees is sufficient, and you can save up to 5% in energy costs for every 10 degrees you lower the thermostat. If you’re going on vacation, give your water heater a break by turning it all the way down or off.
- Insulate the pipes and tank. Foam pipe insulation and an insulating blanket will help your water heater work more efficiently.
Maplewood Plumbing and Sewer has been maintaining water heaters in St. Louis homes for more than 30 years. Contact us today at 314-645-6350 or here for more information or to request a bid.
We offer a one-year warranty on all parts and labor excluding washers.
We are also experts in hot water heater installation, tankless water heater installation, garbage disposal repair and replacement, bathroom plumbing and basement plumbing. Give us a call at 314-645-6350 or fill out the contact form here for more information or to request a bid.
Glossary* Of Terms For Hot Water Heaters
Energy Factor (EF): A measure of water heater overall efficiency, is the ratio of useful energy output from the water heater to the total amount of energy delivered to the water heater.
Solar Energy Factor (SEF): The energy delivered by the total system divided by the electrical or gas energy put into the system.
First-Hour Rating (FHR): An estimate of the maximum volume of hot water in gallons that a storage water heater can supply within an hour that begins with the water heater fully heated.
Gallons per Minute (GPM): The amount of gallons per minute of hot water that can be supplied by an instantaneous water heater while maintaining a nominal temperature rise of 77°F during steady state operation.
*This information has been copied from the EnergyStar website. The full page can be seen here.
Maplewood Plumbing and Sewer has been maintaining water heaters in St. Louis homes for more than 30 years. Contact us today at 314-645-6350 or here for more information or to request a bid.
We offer a one-year warranty on all parts and labor excluding washers.
We are also experts in hot water heater installation, tankless water heater installation, garbage disposal repair and replacement, bathroom plumbing and basement plumbing. Give us a call at 314-645-6350 or fill out the contact form here for more information or to request a bid.