Give Your Water Heater the Long Life It Deserves
Did you know that tank of hot water sitting in your garage or closet could serve you much longer with just a bit of TLC? It's true! We've seen water heaters that should have died years ago still working perfectly because their owners followed some basic maintenance steps.
As your neighbors at Scott McLeod Plumbing, we've been keeping water heaters healthy throughout Rancho Cucamonga for decades. Here's our insider guide to extending your water heater's life by five years or more – and saving yourself from that unexpected cold shower and replacement expense!
Do you have other questions about your water heater? We're always here to help! Give us a call at 909-980-9907 or message us online today!
1. Flush Your Water Heater Annually
Remember all that mineral-rich water flowing through your tank year after year? It leaves behind sediment that settles at the bottom, creating a barrier between the heating element and your water. This makes your heater work harder and can lead to premature failure.
Once a year, treating your tank to a proper flush will:
✔ Keep rust and corrosion from taking hold
✔ Help your system heat water more efficiently
✔ Add years to your water heater's useful life
Not comfortable doing this yourself? No problem! Give us a call – we've flushed thousands of water heaters and can do it safely without making a mess.
2. Check The Anode Rod Regularly
Here's something most homeowners don't know about: that magical metal rod inside your tank that sacrifices itself to save your water heater! The anode rod's job is to attract corrosive elements so they attack it instead of your tank's interior.
Once it's worn down, your tank becomes vulnerable. We typically recommend checking and replacing this critical component every 3-5 years. Think of it as cheap insurance against a flooded floor!
3. Lower The Temperature To 120°F
Did you realize your water heater might be working harder than necessary? Many units come preset at 140°F, but dropping it to 120°F can:
✔ Slash your energy bills
✔ Reduce strain on heating components
✔ Prevent damaging overheating situations
✔ Add years to your system's lifespan
Plus, it's safer for households with young children or elderly residents by reducing scalding risks.
4. Insulate The Tank & Pipes
Think of a water heater blanket as a cozy jacket for your tank. When you insulate both the tank and connected pipes, you're helping your system retain heat, which means it doesn't have to work as hard (especially during those occasional Rancho Cucamonga cold snaps).
This simple upgrade can boost efficiency by 10% or more! We're happy to recommend the right insulation products for your specific system.
5. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Even with great DIY maintenance, nothing beats a trained eye for spotting developing issues before they become emergencies. Our team performs comprehensive water heater tune-ups where we:
- Check all safety components
- Test pressure relief valves
- Inspect electrical connections or gas lines
- Measure efficiency and performance
- Identify potential issues while they're still small
One professional visit can often add years to your water heater's service life!
Is Your Water Heater Due For Some Care?
If you can't remember the last time your water heater had any maintenance, now's the perfect time to start! Our experienced team at Scott McLeod Plumbing specializes in helping Rancho Cucamonga homeowners get the absolute most from their water heating systems.
Whether you need a maintenance visit, repair work, or it's finally time for that new installation, we're ready to help with honest advice and quality service. Give us a ring today at 909-980-9907 or message us online to book your appointment!
