Old household appliances are more susceptible to breakdowns than new ones; all the years of use start to take their toll. The wear and tear on your equipment often mean you can’t get as much work from an old appliance as you can from a new one. Usually, the only way to deal with this loss of reliability is to replace the old water heater tank with a new one.
Along with your refrigerator, the water heater is one of the most used appliances in your home. Water heaters are indispensable for making simple things like taking a shower or washing dishes convenient. Without a reliable source of hot water in the house, it would be almost impossible to live in it. Water heater malfunctions are therefore one of the most distressing issues in the home.
Since an older water heater can mean more home maintenance issues, how can you reduce incidences of breakdowns with the older water heater in your home?
There are only two ways to deal with that old appliance. You can replace it with a new one or look for ways to extend its life. Is there any way to keep getting value out of your water heater even when it is old? The answer is yes. All water heaters have their expected lifespan, but you can extend the equipment’s life through proper maintenance, says Rollingwood Management Inc.
The steps for prolonging the life of a water heater are easy to do and affordable. They do not require special knowledge, and you can do them with the tools you already have in your home. All that is needed is to be timely in applying the steps and enlist the help of an expert when it is necessary. Here are the steps to keep your old water heater running smoothly.
Six steps for maintaining an older water heater
Test the TPR Valve
The TPR valve (temperature & pressure relief valve) keeps the water heater safe. It releases water and pressure if these get too high inside the tank. If the thermostat inside your appliance fails and the temperature gets too high, the valve lets the excess steam escape to prevent an explosion. The TPR valve should be tested twice a year by simply carrying it up and down several times. A gurgling sound should follow this action as water flows into the drain tube.
Insulate the pipes
By reducing the rate of condensation, insulated hot water pipes cut heat loss by as much as 45% and reduce your heating costs by 9% or more. To insulate the pipes, you need self-sticking 3/8-inch foam pipe insulation. The foam should match the diameter of your pipes. Slide the foam over the hot/cold water pipes as far as it will go. Then squeeze the end of the foam and tape it. Ensure at least 6 inches of space between the insulated pipe and the flue.
Insulate the water heater tank
Insulating your water heater will improve its efficiency, reduce heat loss and shave dollars off your heating bill. Insulating the water heater is as simple as wrapping the tank with an insulating blanket. Buy an insulating blanket that matches the size of your water heater tank. Turn the power off on the appliance and wrap the blanket tightly around the tank. Cut off those parts of the blanket that cover the valves and panels. Turn the power back on.
Setting the temperature
The optimal temperature setting for your water heater will let you maximize the appliance and prolong your water heater’s life. For the best results, set the temperature between 130F° and 140F°. Higher temperature settings can result in burns. Lower settings may encourage bacteria to grow inside the tank. To set the temperature, look for the temperature dial on the side of the tank. Unscrew the cover. Using a flathead screwdriver, adjust the dial to the required settings.
Flush the tank
All the mineral content and particles in the water entering your water heater can end up inside the tank. As the water gets heated and evaporates, it leaves sediments that can impair the performance of your appliance. Sediments also increase the risk of rust and explosions. To get rid of deposits, you should flush the water heater tank twice a year. That is as simple as opening the drain cock and cold water supply valve. Let the water run for five minutes or until all sediment at the bottom of the tank washes out.
Check the anode rod
The anode rod protects your water heater from corrosion. It is the first thing the chemicals inside the water entering your home will attack. That is why the anode rod in your water heater gets eaten up. Without the anode rod, the corrosive elements in water will start attacking your water heater. Replacing the anode rod can save you the cost of buying a new water heater. Inspect the rod every year to ensure it is still in good shape.