There are a number of things you can do to avoid water heater failure, unfortunately, water heaters don’t last forever.
Water heaters’ useful lives vary depending on the manufacturer and the type of water heater. If you have an electric water heater it usually lasts about 10 years, while a gas water heater is supposed to last 8-12 years. A tankless water heater also has a shorter life at 7-10 years.
In some cases, water heaters fail earlier than expected due to bad installation practices or faulty parts. In other instances however water heaters simply reach the age in which they will no longer function properly or efficiently. When this happens there are several steps you can take instead of having to spend on a whole new water heater.
5 Ways to Prevent Water Heater Failure
- Get water heater water tested periodically for problems or hard water. Although some water heaters have built-in water softeners, you can also add commercial water softener products in the water tank itself if needed.
- Perform draining on your water heater on a regular schedule to get rid of any sediment build-up that may be present in the water tank. Sediment reduces the lifespan of your water heater and increases its energy consumption. Drain at least once per year depending on how much use it gets.
- Always leave hot water faucets open when not in use to allow air into the system rather than trapping it inside with no circulation which can cause mineral and calcium build-up on water heater components.
- Avoid pouring water on the water heater for any reason, instead, disconnect the water supply and use a garden hose to drain water out of the water tank and water lines so that they don’t freeze and crack during winter months. Leave the drain valve open until all water is completely drained otherwise you can get air bubbles in your lines which can cause a system failure.
- Drain hot water lines before summarizing shut-off valves to prevent freezing and clogging of water lines over the summer months when water heaters are not in use or before storing away for winter if you live in an area where there is a freezing climate [winter].
In some cases, water heaters fail earlier than expected due to bad installation practices or faulty parts. In other instances, however, water heaters simply reach the age in which they will no longer function properly or efficiently. When this happens there are several steps you can take instead of having to spend on a whole new water heater .
Conclusion paragraph:Â
If you have a water heater that is nearing the end of its life, you may be wondering how to prevent it from falling. Here are five ways to do just that! Contact us if any of these sound like something your family could use in their home- we offer free consultations and can help find solutions for all areas of plumbing services.
Author Bio:- Laura HarnesÂ
Laura is a marketing manager at All Star Plumbing & Restoration. With years of experience in the plumbing industry, she loves to create awareness about the causes, problems, and repair solutions of water damage and slab leak. She shares expert tips to lower utility bills and keep your AC, heater, and other appliances in optimum condition leading to longer lifespan.
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