How to Make Hot Water Heater Last Longer
You may be asking yourself how to make your hot water heater last longer. Believe it or not, there are some simple things you can do to help make your water heater lasts as long as possible. In this article, we will discuss a few of the best ways how to make hot water heater last longer for years to come. Read on to learn more!
Many people think that once they have a water heater, it will last them forever. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Water heaters have a lifespan of about ten years. With proper maintenance and care,
However, you can extend the life of your water heater significantly. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that their water heater needs to be maintained regularly. By following the tips below, you can easily add years to the life of your water heater.
Why Your Hot Water Doesn’t Last Long Enough?
If you’ve ever been in the shower and had the water go cold on you, you know how frustrating it can be. There are a few different reasons why your hot water might not last as long as you would like, but there are also some things that you can do to try and extend its life. Keep reading to learn more about why your hot water doesn’t last long enough and what you can do to make it last longer.
One of the main reasons your hot water doesn’t last long enough is because of the size of your tank. If you have a smaller tank, it will heat up faster, but it’s also going to cool down more quickly. This means that you will need to replenish it more often, which can be a hassle. If you have a larger tank, it will take longer to heat up, but it will also retain its heat for longer, so you won’t need to replenish it as often.
Another reason why your hot water might not last as long as you’d like is because of the temperature of your water heater. If it’s set too low, then it’s going to take longer to heat the water, and if it’s set too high, then the water will cool down too quickly. So again, you’ll want to experiment with different settings until you find one that works best for you.
Finally, if you have hard water, that can also shorten the lifespan of your hot water. Hard water can damage the heating element in your water heater, which means that it won’t be able to heat the water as effectively. If you have hard water, you’ll want to have it softened before it goes into your water heater.
A Detailed Guide on How to Make Hot Water Heater Last Longer
Way 1. Check the Anode Rod and Fix It If It’s Damaged
The first way to make your water heater last longer is by maintaining the anode rod.
An anode rod is a piece of metal that sticks out of the water heater, and its primary purpose is to corrode first instead of the tank itself. This protects the tank from rust and corrosion and extends its lifespan.
Unfortunately, the anode rod will eventually be consumed and need to be replaced. You can check it yourself by looking at the condition of the rod (it should be in good condition with no sign of corrosion) and by checking the water quality (it should be clear).
If the anode rod is damaged, you’ll need to replace it. This is a relatively easy task that you can do yourself, but you can always hire a professional if you’re not comfortable doing it.
Way 2. Flush the Tank Regularly
Hot water tanks can last for many years, but they will eventually break down. One way to prolong the life of your water heater is to flush the tank regularly.
Hot water tanks have a sediment build-up over time, which can cause the heating element to fail prematurely. By flushing the tank, you remove this sediment and allow the heating element to work more efficiently.
To flush the tank, attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and open it up. Let all of the water drain out until it runs clear. Then, close the valve and remove the hose.
Way 3. Check Your Water Heater Settings
Check the thermostat to see what temperature your water heater is set at. The recommended setting for most homes is between 120°F and 140°F. You can find the thermostat on the front of your water heater. If you have an electric water heater, there may be two thermostats. One is near the top of the water heater and controls the upper element. The other is near the bottom and controls the lower element.
If your home has hard water, it’s good to set the thermostat a little higher, about 10 degrees above the recommended setting. This will help prevent mineral buildup on the elements.
You can also save energy by turning down the thermostat when away from home for an extended period. Just be sure to turn it back up before you return so you have hot water when you need it.
Way 4. Insulate Your Water Heater Properly
One of the most important things you can do to extend the life of your water heater is to make sure it’s adequately insulated. Most homes are not properly insulated, which means heat escapes, and your water heater has to work harder to maintain the water temperature. This puts a lot of strain on the unit, which can shorten its lifespan.
There are two types of insulation you can use: blankets and jackets. Blankets are less expensive and easier to install, but they don’t last as long as jackets. Jackets are more expensive, but they’ll provide better insulation and last longer. If you’re not sure which type of insulation to use, ask a professional for help.
Once you’ve chosen the type of insulation you want to use, make sure you measure the water heater so you can buy the correct size. Then, follow the instructions on the packaging to install it properly. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, hire a professional to do it for you.
Way 5. Install a Low -flow Showerhead
If your shower is constantly running out of hot water, it’s time to install a low-flow showerhead. This will save you money on your water bill, but it will also help extend your water heater’s life. Low-flow showerheads are designed to use less water while still providing a powerful showering experience.
To install a low-flow showerhead, remove your old showerhead and screw on the new one. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to don’t damage your plumbing. Once the new showerhead is in place, please turn on the water and test it out. You should notice a difference in both the amount of water flowing from the shower and the temperature of the water.
If you have a tankless water heater, installing a low-flow showerhead is essential. That’s because tankless water heaters heat water on demand, so if you’re using more hot water than usual, you’ll use more energy. Low-flow showerheads can help conserve hot water and save you money on your energy bill.
Way 6. Do Laundry With Cold Water
If you have an ENERGY STAR® clothes washer, you can save money and conserve energy by doing laundry with cold water. Washing your clothes in cold water can reduce your washer’s energy use by 50%. You can save even more by using a drying rack or clothesline to air-dry your clothes.
If you must wash with hot water, do only full loads. A too small load will use just as much energy per item washed. Heavier fabrics such as jeans or towels require hotter water and longer washing times, so follow the manufacturer’s directions on the care label.
Conclusion
Although the average lifespan of a water heater is around ten years, there are ways that you can make your water heater last longer. Regular maintenance and taking some simple precautions can add years to the life of your water heater. We hope this article will help you with how to make hot water heater last longer.
