A water heater is an appliance that most people don’t think of often, as it’s usually out of sight. Unfortunately, though it may be out of sight, it’s not out of mind when it malfunctions. When that happens, there is no warm water for the laundry or showers, and washing greasy dishes in cold water is nobody’s idea of fun. Water heaters usually have a life span of approximately 7 to 12 years before they need to be replaced. Fortunately, there are a couple maintenance tips the homeowner can do to help extend the life of their Water Heater in Easton.
The most important maintenance that should be performed on a water heater is draining and flushing the tank at least once a year. As hot water sits in the tank, minerals will leach out of the water. Those minerals, along with any debris that travels from the water lines, such as sand, settle in the bottom of the tank. This sediment is what can cause the tank to corrode. Unfortunately, when a tank starts to corrode, it’s usually recommended to replace the unit. Many times, by draining and flushing the tank annually, this corrosion can be avoided, thus extending the life of the water heater.
Another important maintenance that should be performed on a hot water heater to extend its life is to check the anode rod if the unit has one. The job of the anode rod is to catch the minerals that would otherwise build up in the bottom of the tank. Instead, the minerals and debris cling to this rod, preventing corrosion from settling in the bottom of the tank. This rod should be examined at least once a year and replaced if it is thinned or corroded at any point. Many plumbing websites offer viewers an option to click here to see an up-close view of an anode rod and instructions for replacement, if necessary.
By properly maintaining the Water Heater in Easton, one can hope to extend its lifetime. Simple repairs such as the thermostat or heating element may be required over time, but they’re a relatively simple and inexpensive repair compared to a leaking tank, which usually requires a new unit. With the water heater, just a little maintenance can save a lot of money.
