Water heaters often work perfectly for a decade or more without any care
, so they're easy to neglect. But a few minutes of water heater maintenance once a year pays off by extending the tank's life span and maintaining your water heater's efficiency and safety.
What is preventive maintenance on a hot water heater?
Those include
checking and changing anodes, flushing sediment, testing and changing temperature/pressure relief valves
and such. It used to be that preventive maintenance meant anodes and sediment. These days, there is a more basic task that needs to be done regularly, and most people don't yet realize it.
How often should you do maintenance on your water heater?
Tip: To maintain the upkeep of your water heater, flush your water heater
every six months or so
. If you have harder water, or water that contains more minerals, you may want to flush it more often.
How long do water heaters last on average?
How Long Do Water Heaters Last? Based on the manufacturer's suggested service life, the life expectancy of a water heater is about
eight to 12 years
. That varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule and water quality.
Should I drain my water heater every year?
It's generally a good idea to drain your water heater at least once a year
, according to both BobVila.com and The Family Handyman. If you live in an area with hard water, though, Angie's List says you may need to drain it more frequently.
How much does it cost to flush out a water heater?
What does it cost to flush a water heater? The cost of flushing a water heater can vary quite a lot depending on the area, the quality of the plumber, and the type of water heater. Generally, for most standard water heaters, a flush will cost
between $80 and $100
.
How do you drain sediment from a water heater?
What brand of water heater is the most reliable?
- A.O. Smith. …
- Rheem. Rheem was founded in 1925 by two brothers, Donald and Richard Rheem – and with financial backing from a third brother, William. …
- Kenmore. …
- Bradford White. …
- American Standard. …
- American Water Heaters. …
- Bosch. …
- EcoSmart.
Can a water heater last 20 years?
Tank water heaters will last an average of 8 to 12 years, while
tankless water heaters can last even longer, up to 20 years
. There are also electric and gas water heaters that will vary in lifespan, but in general gas ones last 8-12 years, while an electric heater could last upwards of 10-15 years.
How do you know when your water heater needs replacing?
- Leaks: If your water heater is leaking, it must be replaced immediately. …
- Knocking Noises: Loud noises are an indication of sediment buildup. …
- Rusty Water: Water discoloration is a clear sign your unit is underperforming.
Can I flush my own water heater?
How long should it take to drain a 50 gallon water heater?
This can take
20 to 60 minutes
, depending on how big the tank is. Be careful not to damage or break the drain valve when you open and close it.
What is the most common problem with water heaters?
Water leaks
are perhaps the most common type of water heater issue you'll face. Any water heater will start to leak eventually, as by nature water will eventually corrode your tank and create microscopic cracks or fractures. However, this isn't always a sign that your tank is what's leaking.
How do I know if there is sediment in my water heater?
- There is no hot water.
- The water temperature fluctuates.
- Popping or rumbling noises coming from the tank.
- Your hot water looks rusty and smells bad.
- There are small leaks near the water heater drain valve.
- Water takes a long time to heat up.
Why is my hot water brown and cold water clear?
If only your hot water is discolored –
Odds are there is sediment in your water heater tank
. To clear things out, drain and flush the tank, let it refill and heat up, then test the water again. If it's still discolored, it's time to call a plumber to take a look.
Can you put vinegar in a hot water heater?
Disconnect the cold-water inlet, hot water outlet, T & P valve, or element holes and, using a funnel,
pour one (1) gallon of regular household cider vinegar into the water heater
. (Do not dilute with water) ** NOTE: For Electric Heaters, it is recommended you remove the elements from the heater and lay them in a pan.
