When considering home maintenance, some common chores that come to mind are changing the HVAC filter, checking the roof for loose shingles, cleaning out the gutters and dryer vent. Flushing out the water tank usually isn’t one of the regular chores on the radar. Though it’s often overlooked, it’s one of the most important maintenance jobs a homeowner can do to help extend the life of their water heater. Though the life span of a water heater is no more than 10 – 12 years, there are some simple repairs that may be worth considering. If it’s nearing the end of its life span, most technicians that do Plumbing in West Chester OH, such as it, will recommend replacing it instead.
Repair Or Replace
If a fairly new water heater is not heating or it’s leaking, it may be worth repairing it. Water not being heated may be due to a malfunctioning thermostat or a burned out element. Both of these are fairly simple repairs for those that do any There are different types of water heater leaks. Some may be as simple as a leaky valve or connection, which can be simply fixed. If the leak originates from a corroded tank, it’s suggested to replace it.
Extend The Life
Though most homeowners have to replace a water heater at some point of home ownership, the life of their current tank can be extended with proper care. The simplest and most efficient way to do this is by flushing out the tank to prevent oxidation. All water coming into the home has minerals in it. The harder the water, the more minerals it has. These minerals build up inside the tank and over time can cause it to corrode. Yearly flushing of the tank can help prevent this. This can be done by the homeowner or a plumbing professional. Simply attach a garden hose to the tank and drain out the water. Along with the water will come most of the sediment from the bottom of the tank that causes the corrosion. By removing this matter yearly, it will lessen the chances of it damaging the tank.
No matter the age of the tank, careful inspection and observation is a must from either the homeowner or plumbing professional. This can help prevent a problem before it starts.
