How many years does a water heater usually last? If you are to believe the literature that comes with these products, a water heater typically has an estimated life span of 10-15 years. While some water heaters may have reached that age or even longer, there are many that don’t, because of a number of factors. Not draining it regularly is one of them.
That said, draining your water heater on a regular basis can prolong its life span. If you have no idea how to drain your water to extend its life, here are some steps that you can follow to do just that.
1. Turn off all water and energy supplies
Before actually draining your water heater, you need to make sure the water and the energy sources are all turned off. If your water heater is gas-powered, just set the thermostat at “pilot” and you’re good to go.
2. Turn on at least one hot water tap
Turning at least one hot water tap on is meant to prevent the formation of a vacuum in the line. Open your water heater’s drain valve to start emptying your water tank. You can choose to attach a hose to drain the water, or you can just use a bucket to get all that water out.
3. Flush out the sediments
Over time, sediments will form inside your water heating tank, and these sediments can cause all manners of problems for your water heater in the long run. Flushing them out is one of the primary reasons for draining your water heater. You can flush out these sediments by turning the water supply back on once all of the hot water has been drained from the tank. You’ll know all sediments have been flushed out once the water begins to run clear.
4. Refill the tank, then turn energy supply on
When all sediments have been flushed, you can start refilling the tank. Once completely refilled, turn the breaker or the gas on.
As mentioned above, water heaters typically last a decade or so. However, if you perform this maintenance task regularly, your water heater can continue operating that long, or in some cases, even longer.
In case you need help draining your water heater to extend its life, you can always call us at Ready Set Plumb. When we receive your call, trust that we will be fix your water heater problems as quickly as possible.
