3 Things That Can Decrease Your Water Heater's Function

Owning a home requires a bit of maintenance. Not only will you need to mow your lawn, clean the interior, and wash windows, but you will also need to ensure the important appliances in your home are working. Even though it is one of the most-used appliances in the home, the water heater is often neglected. Maintenance is essential to protect the function and lifespan of your water heater, especially if you want to continue enjoying hot showers, warm baths, and simple chores, such as washing dishes and doing laundry. Here are a few things that can decrease your water heater's function.

Age

First and foremost, you should know that nothing lasts forever. Because its works continuously, your water heater will reach an age where it is in distress. This basic stress decreases its ability to heat water sufficiently.

Each type of water heater has its own estimated lifespan, but you can expect a traditional water heater to last around 10 years.

Of course, your water heater may last longer than the average timeframe under certain conditions. If it was installed correctly, heated a moderate volume of water, and has undergone routine maintenance, the water heater may last for a few more years.

Sediment

As water moves through your plumbing lines and into your water heater, dirt and sediment may build up inside the water heater's tank. Over time, this sediment will pile up at the bottom of the tank. Older water heaters will likely have a large amount of sediment, which can become a problem.

A great deal of sediment in your tank displaces water, reducing the amount of hot water that can flow into your home to use.

In addition, as the water heater heats the water, it will also heat the tank. This heat will harden the sediment. As the sediment continues to heat and harden, your water heater's tank may crack, leading to water leaks and costly repairs.

If your water heater is older and you are hearing popping and crackling noises from tank, there is most likely a buildup of sediment that needs to be removed immediately.

Flushing the tank is your best option for ridding the tank of sediment and protecting the function of your water heater. This process can be completed on your own, but contacting a plumber is best if you lack experience and tools.

Pressure

The temperature and pressure relief valve is one of the most important parts of your water heater. Also known as the T&P relief valve, it protects your water heater from cracking, popping, and exploding due to an excess amount of water pressure.

The valve releases small drops of water if pressure becomes too high. If it is working properly, you may notice small drops of water around your water heater periodically. This water is not a cause for concern unless there is a significant amount of water being released from the tank.

A valve that is broken will either release too much water or not enough water. In either situation, a broken T&P valve will not be able to remove pressure from inside the tank.

Consider having a plumber test your T&P relief valve to make sure it is working properly.

Decreasing your water temperature setting is another way to reduce pressure inside the tank. According to the United States Department of Energy, a temperature of 120 degrees is ideal. This temperature will not only reduce your risk of excess water pressure, but it will also help conserve energy.

Your water heater is an investment in your home and family's needs, so maintenance is essential for protecting this investment. This guide will teach you what things are capable of damaging your water heater. Contact a company like Bedell Plumbing & HVAC for additional advice.