6 Easy Tips to Make Your Water Heater Last Decades
What many of us tend to forget is that our water heater is not immortal. It can give up on us, especially if you aren’t on top of your maintenance game. Your water heater needs regular inspection and maintenance to work efficiently and last you for many years.
Do you want to increase the longevity of your water heater for the bathroom? No matter whether you have a gas, solar or electric water heater, it needs your tender loving care to continue giving you a steaming hot shower every morning.
Read on to discover a few handy tips and hacks that will help you maintain your water heater better and increase its shelf life.
- Flush Your Tank Annually
Over time, there can be gunk at the bottom of your water heater. This is generally sediment and mineral buildup. If you leave this unaddressed, it can hamper the smooth functioning of your water heater in your bathroom. So, we recommend that you flush your water heater annually to get rid of the sediment buildup inside your water heater. Note that if you live in an area where you get a hard water supply, you might need to flush your tank at least twice a year, as hard water has a higher mineral content. This step will also prevent corrosion inside your water heater.
- Replace the Anode Rod
The anode rod is the sacrificial metal rod inside the water heater that attracts the corrosive elements towards itself and protects the inside of the water heater from getting corroded. This anode rod gradually deteriorates with the passing time and it loses its ability to protect your instant water heater. It needs to be replaced when it is heavily corroded. Typically, you must replace the anode rod every 2-3 years for optimal performance of your water heater.
- Install a Water Softener
If you live in an area that has a hard water supply, we recommend you install a water softener. This water softener will prevent premature rusting of your water heater and will extend its lifespan.
- Insulate the Heater and Pipes
Another pro tip to decrease the workload of your water heater and extend its lifespan is to insulate your water heater and pipes with high-quality insulating materials. This will minimise the heat loss and keep your hot water hot for a longer period of time. It also won’t require your water heater to work extra to keep your water toasty.
- Adjust the Temperature Setting
If your geyser’s thermostat setting is too high, your instant water heater can overheat and you might have to deal with scalding water, which is dangerous, especially if you have kids or elderly people at your home. Keeping the temperature setting right will not only help in preventing damage to your water heater but will also reduce your energy consumption and help you save up on your energy bill. The ideal thermostat setting that you can keep is 120°F.
- Keep an Eye Out for Warning Signs
Like they say, ‘A stitch in time saves nine.’ Your instant water heater will give you telltale signs that indicate that it is about to break down. You must not ignore these early signs and try to fix them immediately. An early detection of any malfunction in your water heater will not only save you time and energy but also a lot of money that you would otherwise need to spend on a costly repair. A few early signs that might indicate that your water heater needs professional inspection are:
- Rumbling sound
- Rusty water
- Inconsistent water temperature
- Decrease in water pressure
- Increase in the power bill even though the water usage is the same
- Hot water with a bad odour
The Final Verdict
By following these 5 easy tips, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your instant water heater. Remember that these preventative measures will help you save on expensive repairs and extend its life for years to come. Feel like you can’t DIY your way through figuring out what is wrong with your water heater? Regular professional inspection of your water heater is key to ensuring that all is well with your water heater and it is functioning to its fullest potential.
Don’t want the hassle of frequent repairs? We recommend that you invest in a premium-quality water heater for the bathroom that is durable and long-lasting. AO Smith water heaters are your best bet if you are looking for a water heater that will give you an endless supply of hot water without consuming too much energy or shooting up your power bill.
We have a wide range of storage, instant and tankless water heaters that fit every family’s budget. Our new-age water heaters are ergonomic, compact, sleek and perfect for contemporary bathrooms.
So, when are you ditching your rundown water heater and bringing home a chic and energy- efficient water heater by AO Smith? AO Smith water heaters will elevate your shower experience and make you look forward to waking up every morning!
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