Are you unsure if your water heater is obsolete and you worry about possible water damage? Learn how to spot certain tell-tale signs of wear and the average life of a water heater.
How long can you expect your water heater to last? In fact, a water heater can have a life of 20 years to 12 years.
There are several factors to take into consideration to properly estimate the life of a water heater
The two most common signs of a water heater showing signs of wear are:
These are the reasons why the life of a water heater can vary greatly from one house to another!
Did you know that some insurers have decided to discontinue insuring water heaters that are more than 10 to 12 years old?
This is a decision based on the potential risk of water damage – a claim that is costly to insurance companies.
Thus, depending on your insurer, your water heater may not be covered after a certain period of time. Remember to check your insurance coverage and, if necessary, contact your insurance company for details.
Although the life of a water heater can be as long as 20 years, you will have to resign yourself to replacing it even before it reaches the age limit for your insurer in order to remain covered in the event of a loss due to the water heater.
Otherwise, if you do not have your water heater replaced before the deadline, you will have to bear full responsibility for your water heater.
Would you like to replace your water heater? Ask 3 plumbers recommended by our team in your area by filling out the form on this page!
Now that we have established the importance of being vigilant about water heaters and knowing how to recognize their signs of wear, it is important to address the subject of its life and the various ways how to extend it.
Yes, it is possible to extend the life of your water heater through proper care and maintenance in the years following its installation.
Tip # 1: Choice & Maintenance of Sacrificial Anode
If you live in an area where the water contains a high amount of iron, acid or magnesium, TAKE CARE OF YOUR WATER HEATER. In such a situation, the lifespan of your tank will decrease from 12 years (which is the average life of a water heater in Quebec) to possibly 5 years.
Such quality of water (which has corrosive effects on the materials that make up the heater) can damage your water heater to create a crack, which will then turn into damage.
To prevent such a problem, two words: sacrificial anode. This is an element also found on boat hulls and galvanized pools and acts by cathodic protection. In other words, it protects the metal against corrosion.
The presence of such an anode in your water heater, therefore, retards corrosion of the tank, as long as it does not degrade itself.
That’s why it’s important to check the condition of the anode every year and change it, as needed. Your water heater’s life could be extended by a few more years.
For optimum protection, opt for the current anode. Relatively simple to install, it will not disintegrate and can triple the life of your water heater.
Tip # 2: Handle the valve manually every year
This is a quick and easy process that helps extend the life of your water heater.
The safety valve (also called temperature and pressure relief valve) is a mechanism for evacuating water in the event of overpressure. By operating it manually, we eliminate the tartar or limestone that accumulate to ensure its proper operation.
Tip # 3: Clean the limestone layer on the elements
Limestone harms your water heater in many ways. It can hinder the proper functioning of the safety valve and damage the heating elements.
The standard is to maintain these elements by cleaning the layer of limestone that is deposited there. If the passage of time has already caused the limestone to corrupt the heating elements, it is better to replace the latter so that the heater works under optimal conditions.
Tip # 4: Install a water softener or drain
Finally, if your water has a high iron or magnesium content, you can install a water softener or drain the water heater every year. This process of letting the water run until it is clean removes residues that may have accumulated.
In any case, maintenance won’t do any harm to your water heater. At best, it will allow you to increase its life span by several years.
As we mentioned, it is best to choose a qualified plumber to install a water heater in your home.
A professional plumber puts at your disposal:
Specifically, what does the installation of a water heater require?
While it may be tempting to replace your own water heater, the best step is to let a professional take charge of the work to achieve optimal results.
To find a quality plumber who can install or replace your water heater, Compare Home Quotes – Water Heaters have the perfect solution for you.
Simply fill out our form to receive up to 3 free submissions from our plumber partners.
You can then choose the most attractive offer and proceed with the installation of your water heater that complies with industry standards.
You can get the best prices for the installation or purchase of your water heater.
Don’t waste time contacting a plumber one at a time when we can easily find professionals for your needs. Take advantage of our free service!
Comments are closed.
Copyright© 2023 Compare Home Quotes.