How Many Years Should Your Hot Water Heater Work
Buying a water heater is something that is usually considered a long-term purchase because one would expect it to last several years. Outside of being physically damaged by some unavoidable circumstances, for example, a major fire or electricity fault, a good quality water heater will last a long time before replacing it is considered. If you are concerned about your current water heater, contact a professional plumbing company, like OC Plumbers for an onsite inspection.
The average life expectancy of your water heater should be around 8-12 years. This is based on the manufacturer’s suggested service life and is not the same for all water heaters. A lot of factors will affect how long your water heater will last, some of which are discussed below.
Seven Factors That Affect the Life Expectancy of a Water Heater
To help you understand more about how to take care of your water heater, the following is a list of the common factors that you need to consider:
- Negligence
Like all household equipment, water heaters need to be taken care of, which means regular maintenance is mandatory. A good idea is to mark your calendar so that you never miss doing regular inspections. Catching problems early makes them easier to solve and less likely to cause irreparable damage.
- Sediment Buildup
When hard water is heated, it creates sedimentation that settles at the bottom of the tank, causing it to overheat and destroy the protective lining. Any sediment buildup should be scraped off without delay by experienced professionals.
- Internal Rust
Water tanks usually come with sacrificial anodes that are needed for effective rust prevention inside the heater. With time, these anodes will become less effective and need to be replaced otherwise rust will start to eat away at the lining of the water heater.
- Corrosive Fumes
When impure air is drawn into the water heater for combustion purposes, the resulting reaction with the heat source will produce corrosive fumes that are destructive to the lining of the water heater. The solution is to keep water heaters in an open space with fresh air.
- High Water Pressure
High-pressure build-up is very dangerous and can result in the destruction of the water heater and its connected pipes. If the heater comes with a connected pressure gauge you should keep an eye on it regularly to make sure it stays within limits.
- Size To Need Ratio
A water heater that is too small will eventually break down due to the constant heating and cooling cycle needed to keep up with the demand. That is why you should carefully consider the intended use before selecting the desired size.
- Transient Current
When water heaters are not properly grounded, excessive electric current either from the heater itself or from other sources will cause corrosion of the pipes and other important components.
Conclusion
Manufacturers will tell you that your water heater will last you 12 years, which is probably true, but what they do not emphasize is that all lot depends on how well you maintain it. Take a look at the factors outlined in this guide and know the right way to take care of your water heater so that it can keep serving you for many years to come.
