3 Tips to Make Your Water Heater Last Longer and Work More Efficiently

Many homeowners purchase a new water heater and simply forget about it until it starts leaking or no longer heats efficiently. Once the tank starts to leak or the burner wears out, it’s usually best to replace the unit rather than try to repair it. The good news is with regular maintenance you can help ensure that your water heater lives a long, efficient lifespan. Instead of getting only 7-8 years of life from your tank, you can get more than ten years from your ttank-style water heater.

1. Flush the water heater tank annually

Almost all water heater manufacturers recommend flushing the water heater tank every year. Draining the tank will remove sediment that collects at the bottom of the tank which will allow the burner to work more efficiently. In the Colorado mountains, where hard water is common, minerals in the water can quickly accumulate in the bottom of the water heater tank, reducing efficiency and leading to premature wear.

If you decide to drain your water heater yourself, be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct procedure for draining your model of water heater. If you need assistance, give Grand Lake Plumbing and Heating a call and we can drain the tank for you.

2. Check the anode rod and replace it if needed

An anode rod is a corrosive metal rod that’s designed to sacrifice itself to prevent corrosion to the inside of the tank. The anode rod hangs inside the tank and should be checked annually when the tank is drained. Replacing a badly corroded rod is far cheaper than replacing the entire water heater. Without a good anode rod, hot water will rapidly corrode the inside of the tank, shortening its life.

3. Insulate the water heater tank

This is a step you only have to do once. Wrapping your water heater in a blanket of insulation can improve it’s efficiency up to 40 percent, meaning it has to heat less often. When installing an insulating blanket it’s important to ensure there are cut-outs for all valves, connections and the themostat.

Have questions about maintaining your water heater? Call Grand Lake Plumbing and Heating. We can help with all your plumbing and hot water needs.