# Lengthening the Life of Your Water Heater Through Proper Maintenance

Water heaters have become a necessity today. Proper maintenance can assist your water heater offer hassle-free service for several years. Some basic maintenance steps are all that are required to conserve a bundle on a water heater repair or replacement.

**Indications that your heater needs to be serviced**

If the water coming out of your heater has a bad odor, unusual color, or sediments, it's a clear indication that cleaning is needed. A reduction in the effectiveness of heaters is likewise a sign that it is time for a maintenance checks. Your water heater can trigger your energy bills to skyrocket, if not preserved properly. An Anode rod is one of the most vital parts of a heater. The presence of orange-colored water underneath the rod is a clear signal that it needs to be changed.

It is finest not to wait on your water heater to give out rust-colored water or be up to the flooring because of rusting prior to you call the plumbing technician. Correct water heater upkeep assists you conserve cash in a variety of ways. It increases the heater's life-span, avoids the necessity to buy a new one, and ensures effective use of energy.

**Typical issues and their options**

A buildup of sediments and minerals is frequently the primary cause of water heater problems. Sediments collected at the bottom of your water heater can be easily cleaned utilizing a brush and garden pipe. You can just scrub out the sediments and after that flush them away utilizing the hose pipe. It is recommended to do this a minimum of once a year. If the water in your location is hard, frequent cleaning may be required as the sediments tend to build up quicker. Simply flushing the heater with water every few months will likewise assist you keep it clean.

Rust of anode rods is another common problem in old heaters. It is advisable to examine the rod every couple of months for any signs of corrosion and change it if required. Bacteria can cause bad odor in your water heater. This can be easily taken care of with bleach. You can include bleach, fill the tank with water and let it remain for some time to eliminate germs. This can be followed by routine flushing.

If your water heater supplies too cold or too warm water, you may have the ability to resolve this problem with easy changes in the thermostat. Leaks can trigger considerable damage, so it is best to take the aid of an expert plumber to recognize the source of the leakage and repair it at the earliest.

**Signs that your water heater needs to be replaced**

Among the easiest ways to decide whether or not you need to replace your heater is by considering its age. The lifespan of a gas-operated water heater is around 8 - 12 years, while electric ones can offer hassle-free service for as much as 15 years. The lifespan of tankless is believed to be longer than that of electric heaters, but they are fairly brand-new and age may not be the best indicator of whether they need to be replaced. If you see moisture near the base of your heater, it might indicate a small leakage. A plumbing will be able to tell you if the heater can be repaired or needs to be changed.

If the heater is so rusted that it is providing rusty water, it might be time to replace it. In spite of appropriate maintenance, if your heater is unable to offer the very same quantity of hot water as in the past, it may need to be replaced. You might wait on the heater to quit working totally before buying a new one, only if you don't mind taking cold showers. A decrease in efficiency is the very best indicator that a water heater needs to be changed.

As soon as you have decided, the next step is to pick a brand-new one, which is most suitable for your needs. Today numerous kinds of [**electric storage water heaters**](https://www.rheemmalaysia.com/products/electric-storage-water-heaters/) and water circulation systems are offered in the market that picking the very best amongst them can be complicated. Your option needs to be based on the quantity of hot water your family requires.

If your old heater operated on gas, making a change to an electric water heater and vice versa can be pricey. Based on where you reside, the solar water heater is another option worth thinking about as they are not only eco-friendly but likewise spends for themselves in a few years' time in energy cost savings and refunds. However, you will have to make an initial investment for the setup. Understanding numerous types of water heaters and water circulation systems readily available in the market will help you choose which one is the most suitable for your requirements.

**Types of water heaters and water recirculation systems**

Today primarily 2 types of water heaters are in usage, conventional storage heaters, and tankless heaters. Although in use for a long time, standard storage-type heating systems have actually come a long way. Modern storage design heating units are environmentally friendly, more efficient, and consist of many security functions. These heating units, if maintained properly, can serve you for many years. All you need to do is flush the heater yearly and inspect the anode rod regularly to guarantee that your storage-style water heater remains in good condition.

Tankless offer many advantages including lower energy expense, lower space requirement, longer life expectancy than storage type heaters and most notably endless warm water supply. Unless you choose a tankless of suitable size, you might not get preferred outcomes. These heating systems frequently need a brand-new vent line and a dedicated gas line. It may be a good idea to set up a water softener with a tankless heater. Annual de-scaling may be necessary, if water softener is not installed.

Regardless of the type of water heater and water flow system you utilize, maintenance is vital to ensure that they offer hassle-free service for several years.
