On average, you can expect a storage tank water heater to last 12 to 15 years. However, it will need regular maintenance to maximize its lifespan. That maintenance becomes especially important as your water heater ages. Spring is an ideal time for annual water heater maintenance. Here’s an overview of springtime maintenance procedures for your aging water heater.

Test the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

Your storage tank water heater has a critical safety device called a temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve. It can prevent your water heater’s tank from bursting during a malfunction. However, it can only do that if it remains operable. Testing the TPR valve is an important part of springtime water heater maintenance. To do it, place a bucket under the discharge pipe coming from the TPR valve. Then, lift the valve tab. If the TPR valve works as intended, it should release water. When you lower the tab, the water flow should stop. If either doesn’t happen, you need to schedule water heater repair.

Check the Anode Rod

Every storage tank water heater has a metal rod extending into its tank from above. It’s called an anode rod, and its purpose is to corrode slowly. That prevents corrosion from attacking the tank itself. Most anode rods last only about three years. To check the condition of the rod, it’s necessary to turn off your water heater. Then, unscrew it from the tank using a 1 1/16-inch socket wrench. If the rod is less than half an inch thick or appears heavily corroded, it needs to be replaced.

Flush the Tank

As your water heater refills again and again, sediment from your incoming water supply builds up inside it. Over time, it reduces your water heater’s capacity. It can also reduce its efficiency and cause heating element damage. To avoid those outcomes, it’s important to flush your water heater of accumulated sediment annually.

First, turn off your water heater and its water supply. Then, attach a garden hose to the lower drain valve and run it outside into a bucket. That gives the flushed sediment somewhere to gather rather than going down a drain. Next, open the lower drain until the tank empties. Then, turn the tank’s water supply back on and leave it running until the water runs clear. Afterward, reverse the steps to return the water heater to service.

Annual maintenance is the best way to keep your water heater working well for as long as possible. If you perform the above steps every spring, your water heater should reach its maximum expected lifespan. It should also minimize long-term repair costs and prevent unexpected breakdowns. If you have concerns or require water heater services, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Cedar Rapids, IA.