Whether you’re washing dishes or taking a steamy shower, it’s important for your home’s water heater to be in peak operating condition. Not only can a faulty water heater negatively impact your quality of life at home, but it can also cause property damage and increased electric bills.
Most traditional tank-style water heaters in Niceville are rated to last around 10 to 15 years. On the other hand, tankless units have a life expectancy of up to 20 years. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that can impact a water heater’s longevity.
Maintenance
To no surprise, timely maintenance can extend a water heater’s life by several years. Traditional water heaters feature an anode rod, which protects the tank from corrosion by attracting minerals like iron and limestone. If this critical part is not replaced at the recommended intervals, the water heater is more prone to experiencing premature failure. Excessive buildup of sediment can even cause the tank to rust away, thus leading to potentially damaging leaks.
It’s also recommended to have the water heater drained and flushed every six months. This routine maintenance service helps further minimize tank corrosion.
Water Quality
Water quality can have a big influence on how long your water heater lasts. Unfortunately, most homeowners in Florida must deal with hard water. When a household has hard water, there will be a high level of mineral content in the water. Elements, such as magnesium carbonates and calcium, can collect on the heating elements. The unit’s lifespan will ultimately be reduced in the long run.
Ben Franklin Plumbing encourages homeowners to take the necessary steps to overcome hard water. The installation of a water treatment system can definitely extend your unit’s life.
Installation
When it’s time to replace your water heater, always turn to a licensed professional to do the job. If you allow an untrained amateur to handle the installation, the chances of something going wrong increase dramatically. Everything needs to be done by the book. Some of the potential issues that can stem from improper installation include leaks, damaged parts, and uneven heating.
Unit Build Quality
Contrary to what some people may believe, the build quality of a water heater can vary greatly from one unit to the next. The ideal approach is to purchase a water heater that has a reputation for delivering good long-term reliability. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can advise you on selecting the best unit to fit your budget and household size.
Water Temperature
For most everyday tasks, you don’t need scalding hot water. Too high of a temperature can actually put extra strain on your water heater, which translates to greater wear and tear. Setting the unit’s temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit can extend the unit’s life and reduce monthly energy costs.