Even the most reliably-built and sturdy water heater will break down eventually. Over time, the water will eventually wear away at the tank, causing a leak, or the heating elements will grow dull and stop working in addition to many other possible problems. However, extensive heavy use will cause your water heater to wear out faster, leading to a breakdown that could leave you without the warm water you need. That being said, there are ways you can preserve your heater to extend its lifespan and avoid the costly expense of replacing it. Here are just three of the things you can do.
Flush Your Tank
Minerals like calcium and magnesium that are normally found in water will build up as you repeatedly refill and re-heat your tank over time. You can resolve this problem by simply flushing them out once a year. Flushing your tank is simple: just connect a hose to the drain valve on your tank and run the hose to your gutter or a storm drain. Then open the valve and let the tank drain out completely. This will allow the minerals to escape and extend the life of your tank.
Install a Water Softener
If you have hard water (water with a high mineral concentration), your plumbing fixtures will wear out quicker. A water softener can help eliminate this problem by getting rid of some of this mineral concentration. This will not only help preserve your water heater but also lead to healthier skin and better-tasting drinking water too.
Turn Down the Heat
Many people love the feeling of piping hot water when bathing, but what they don’t realize is that this high temperature comes with consequences. Many people keep their heater set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, but this consumes a ton of extra energy and forces your heater to work harder to prevent heat loss. Turning the dial down to 120 degrees will still provide your home with comfortable water temperature, but allow you to save energy and preserve your heater by allowing the heating elements to run less frequently and reduce the seriousness of the expansion and contraction cycles your tank goes through when refilling and reheating.Need a water heater service? Contact the Phoenix plumbing service experts at Deer Valley Plumbing Contractors, Inc.! Call us at (623) 294-4986 and let Arizona’s most trusted plumber care for your home!