Water Heater Maintenance: Simple Annual Tasks That Add 10 Years to Its Life
The average water heater lasts eight to twelve years. Many last six to eight years because they’re never maintained. Annual maintenance — thirty minutes, essentially no cost — addresses the two most common causes of premature failure: sediment buildup that reduces efficiency and causes overheating, and a failed anode rod that allows corrosion to destroy the tank from the inside.
Flush the Tank Annually
Sediment from the water supply accumulates at the bottom of gas water heater tanks and around the heating elements of electric tanks. This sediment insulates the tank bottom from the burner, forces it to work harder, and accelerates tank liner deterioration. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Turn off the cold water supply. Open a hot water faucet somewhere to break the vacuum. Open the drain valve and allow two to three gallons to drain into a bucket. If the water runs clear quickly, sediment load is low. If it runs rusty or has visible particulates, allow it to run until it clears.
Check and Replace the Anode Rod Every Three to Five Years
The anode rod is a sacrificial magnesium or aluminum rod that corrodes preferentially to the steel tank, protecting the tank from rust. When the rod is depleted, the tank itself begins to corrode. Locate the hex head on top of the tank, remove it with a 1-1/16-inch socket, and inspect it. If the rod is less than half its original diameter or has significant calcium buildup, replace it. A replacement anode rod costs $20 to $30 and extends tank life by years.
Check the T&P Valve and Set the Right Temperature
Test the temperature and pressure relief valve by lifting the lever briefly — it should release water and then stop when released. If it continues to drip, replace it. Set the water heater temperature to 120°F — hot enough to kill legionella bacteria, not so hot that it wastes energy or causes scalding burns. A heater set at 140°F uses significantly more energy than necessary.
