How to Maximize the Life of Your Water Heater

Express Plumbing & Rooter is a reputable plumbing company with 20+ years of plumbing experience. We pride ourselves on servicing a wide range of water heaters, including conventional storage tank and tankless units. Besides, we specialize in sewer line cleaning, drain cleaning, and video camera inspection.

• Flush Your Water Heater At Least Once a Year

If you have a storage water heater, it’s important to flush the tank at least once per year to prevent excessive sediment buildup and improve heating efficiency. Over time, sediment, minerals, and other substances can accumulate in your water heater and affect its performance. Flushing a water heater is simple; just open the drain valve and let the water flow until it stops. Reopen the cold water supply and let the water drain until all the sediment is gone. If the sediment won’t clear, it could mean that your hot water tank is corroded. Our plumbers recommend calling in a professional plumbing repair service to help you replace the tank. A corroded water heater increases the risk of leaks, increases heating bills, and impacts the water quality.

• Inspect the Anode Rod Annually

The purpose of an anode rod is to defend your water heater against corrosion. It attracts corrosive elements in the water to prevent premature corrosion. If the anode rod looks depleted and you’ve noticed rust-colored water coming from your faucets, it’s time to replace it before corrosive elements take hold of your hot water tank. Most plumbers recommend replacing the sacrificial anode rod every 3-5 years.

• Test the Pressure Relief Valve

A pressure relief valve in a water heater is a team player when it comes to safeguarding the appliance against the damage. This valve alleviates excess pressure from within the tank when the pressure exceeds a predetermined limit. Testing a pressure relief valve is simple; carefully pull or lift the lever or pin. If the valve is working properly, water should release from the discharge pipe. If it does not work, call a nearby plumbing repair service to fix the valve. Operating your water heater with a defective pressure relief valve can pose serious safety risks.

• Improve Water Quality

Hard water and unfiltered water can take a toll on your water heater over time and reduce its life expectancy. Hard water can cause scale buildup inside a water heater tank, while the particles in unfiltered water can accumulate at the bottom of the tank. The buildup reduces a water heater’s efficiency and increases the risk of corrosion. It’s a good idea to invest in a water softening system and a water filtration system to improve your water quality and, consequently, maximize the life of your water heater. Softened and clean water is not just good for your plumbing fixtures; it also provides several health benefits. If you’re looking for a reliable plumbing company offering water softener and water filtration system installation, look no further than Express Plumbing & Rooter. We are a top-rated plumbing company that is committed to offering quality and budget-friendly plumbing services in both residential and commercial properties. Whether you’re looking for water heater repair or sewer repair, we are the experts to call.

• Schedule Regular Water Heater Inspections

Routine inspections are an integral part of keeping your water heater in good working condition and extending its lifespan. It’s advisable to schedule professional water heater inspections at least once a year. The inspections include checking electrical and gas connections, performing efficiency tests, examining the appliance for signs of damage, and more.

Express Plumbing & Rooter Is Here To Help

You can count on the licensed plumbers at Express Plumbing & Rooter for all of your water heater needs. We also take pride in providing trenchless sewer line replacement, including pipe lining and pipe bursting.