Hot water systems are quite popular, especially during the chillier seasons! These are essential appliances for your bathroom, as it provides you the comfortable heat as you take a relaxing shower.
Today, the standard water heater would usually last for up to 12 years, which is what makes them worth the initial investment. This is because newer tanks are made of strong materials, but even then, it would still deteriorate over time. Fortunately, there are ways on how you can extend its lifespan!
If you’re wondering how then read on as I show you the different ways to extend your water heater’s lifespan.
How to Extend the Life of Your Hot Water System
You wouldn’t want your hot water system to break down before its expected lifespan. That’s why it’s crucial to know how to take care of your system properly. Here are seven tips you should follow:
- Flush Your Tank
Flushing your tank regularly can double the lid of the hot water system! This is because of hard water levels in your area, which will be difficult for water heaters. This can create different problems, such as the system’s performance and lifespan.
It’s recommended to drain a few gallons of the heater’s drain valve once a year. If the water comes out clear, then you can close the valve. But if you notice some dirt and debris, perform a complete flush.
- Use An Anode Rod
What’s the number one enemy of a hot water system? It’s corrosion. When there’s a leak on your tank because of it, there’s no way to repair that!
Obviously, when combining water and steel, you get corrosion. Manufacturers install anode rods to resist it, though you’ll still need to maintain and replace your anode rod regularly. This increases the protection of your tank, ensuring that it lasts longer and has less risk of corrosion.
- Check T&P Value
How do safety valves help in lengthening your hot water system’s service life? It all has something to do with pressure. This valve will open and release pressure automatically if it reaches unsafe levels.
When you test your T&P valve regularly, you can safely ensure that everything is working well. If it’s defective, then it can’t release tank pressure even after reaching excessive levels, which results in its damage. Make sure to monitor the valve and have it repaired or replaced as needed.
- Have An Expansion Tank
When water heats, it expands. And if there’s nowhere to place it, it places a ton of pressure in your water heater’s tank until it ruptures or fails.
To prevent excessive pressure and damage to your system, water heater expansion tanks are a great option. It gives your water a place to go as pressure builds in tanks. When water flows to the expansion tank, it reduces pressure to your system, thus protecting it.
- Use Pre-Filters and Softeners
You won’t be able to control water quality, but you’ll be able to take action to treat water before it reaches your plumbing and hot water system.
One can protect their water heater with a scale inhibitor from hard water. Even if the hardness levels aren’t as high, scale inhibitors can help reduce mineral content. If you have higher hard water levels, then a softener can work even better for the household.
- Install a Pressure Regulating Valve
Do you have very high water pressure (over 90PSI)? Then that pressure may damage your hot water system, including your other appliances! It’s best that you take measures to reduce the water pressure in your household, using a Pressure Regulating Valve.
With a PTV, it can reduce overall system pressure, as well as wear and tear throughout all your appliances. This is a great partner with the expansion tank!
- Do Maintenance Checks
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! If you’d like to extend your hot water system’s life span, then you need to monitor and check it regularly. Through regular monitoring and maintenance checks, you can examine the system for any problems or signs of damage.
That way, you can address such minor issues early on, ensuring that you won’t have to deal with a much major problem in the long run. I also recommend that you give the system space and NOT crowd it, so you’re able to inspect and perform various maintenance tasks. If you’re not quite familiar with doing routine checks, companies like Brisbane Hot Water will be able to provide the necessary checkups, as well as quality systems as needed.
Wrapping It Up
I hope that this article on how to extend the lifespan of your hot water system helped you out. So don’t wait any longer and follow these tips for a better-maintained system now.
Do you have any questions or want to share your tips on caring for your hot water system? Share it in the comments section below, all your thoughts are much appreciated!
