How to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater
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Everything You Need to Know About Extending Your Water Heater's Life
Hey there, Manny from DrainPro Solutions here! Your water heater is one of those behind-the-scenes heroes that keeps life running smoothly—until it doesn’t. Most homeowners don’t think much about their water heater until the morning shower turns ice-cold or the utility bill suddenly spikes. But with a little bit of regular maintenance and a few smart habits, you can keep your water heater working efficiently for years to come.
Let’s go over a few tried-and-true ways to extend the life of your water heater and avoid costly replacements down the road.
1. Flush the Tank Regularly
Over time, sediment naturally builds up inside your water heater tank. This sediment—made up of minerals like calcium and magnesium—settles at the bottom and forces your heater to work harder. The result? Less efficiency, more wear and tear, and eventually, leaks or failure.
How to flush your water heater:
Turn off the power or gas supply.
Connect a garden hose to the drain valve and run the other end outside or into a floor drain.
Open the valve and let the tank empty completely.
Once drained, turn the cold-water supply back on for a few minutes to rinse out any remaining sediment.
Close the valve, refill the tank, and restore power or gas.
If that sounds like a lot of work—or if you’re not comfortable handling it—give us a call. At DrainPro Solutions, we offer professional water heater maintenance that includes full tank flushing and system inspection. You can learn more about our comprehensive water heater care for Williamstown homeowners on our service page.
Flushing once a year is usually enough for most homes, but if you live in an area with hard water, you might want to schedule it every six months to prevent heavy mineral buildup.
2. Inspect and Replace the Anode Rod
Inside every traditional water heater is a metal rod called an anode rod. Its job is to attract corrosive minerals and protect the tank from rusting. Over time, that rod wears away—and when it’s gone, the tank itself starts corroding.
Checking the anode rod is a simple but essential part of extending your water heater’s lifespan. Most rods last anywhere from 3 to 5 years, depending on water quality and usage. If it looks severely corroded or coated in calcium, it’s time for a replacement.
Replacing an anode rod is far cheaper than replacing the entire heater, and it’s something we handle regularly during scheduled maintenance visits. If you’re unsure about your system’s condition, our team can provide a quick inspection and preventative maintenance plan to keep your water heater in top shape.
3. Keep the Temperature Just Right
It’s tempting to crank up your water heater temperature for that long, hot shower—but higher temperatures increase wear on the tank, raise your energy bills, and accelerate corrosion.
For most households, a setting of 120°F is the sweet spot. It’s hot enough to prevent bacteria growth and provide comfortable water, but gentle enough to minimize stress on your system.
Here’s what proper temperature control does for your heater:
Reduces thermal expansion inside the tank (less internal pressure)
Decreases energy use and monthly utility costs
Helps prevent scalding, especially in homes with children or elderly residents
If you’re unsure how to adjust your heater’s temperature—or if your system doesn’t seem to maintain it evenly—it could be time to recalibrate the thermostat or check for faulty sensors. The pros at DrainPro Solutions can diagnose these issues and help restore balance before small problems turn into big repairs. Visit our expert water heater services in Williamstown, NJ page to learn how we can help fine-tune your system.
4. Test the Pressure Relief Valve
The temperature and pressure relief valve (or T&P valve) is one of the most important safety features on your water heater. It releases excess pressure to prevent dangerous buildup inside the tank.
Every few months, it’s a good idea to test it by carefully lifting the lever and allowing a bit of water to flow out. If no water comes out—or if it doesn’t close properly—it’s time for a replacement. A faulty valve can lead to pressure damage or even tank failure.
This quick check only takes a minute but can save you from major water damage or safety hazards. If you’d rather have a professional handle it, we’re always happy to include this inspection during routine service appointments.
5. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Even with good habits, water heaters still benefit from a yearly professional tune-up. A licensed plumber can catch small issues—like corroded fittings, slow leaks, or burner buildup—before they turn into expensive breakdowns.
Here’s what’s typically included in professional maintenance:
Flushing and sediment removal
Anode rod inspection
Thermostat and element testing
Gas line and venting safety checks
Pressure valve testing
At DrainPro Solutions, our goal is to make water heater care simple and stress-free. Whether you have a traditional tank model or a tankless system, our technicians provide maintenance that helps maximize performance and energy efficiency. If you live in or around Gloucester County, check out how we help homeowners keep their hot water running strong year-round.
6. Know When It’s Time for Replacement
Even with the best maintenance, water heaters don’t last forever. Most traditional units last around 8 to 12 years, while tankless models can run 15 to 20 years with proper care.
If you start noticing rusty water, strange noises, or rising energy bills, your system might be nearing the end of its life.
When that time comes, DrainPro Solutions can help you choose the right replacement for your home—efficient, long-lasting, and properly sized to your needs.
Final Thoughts
Your water heater works hard every single day, so giving it a little attention goes a long way. From regular flushing and checking the anode rod to keeping your temperature in check, these small steps can add years to your system’s life and save you from costly repairs.
If it’s been a while since your last service, or if you’re not sure how your current system is performing, schedule an inspection with DrainPro Solutions today.
Our experienced team is ready to help you keep your water heater running efficiently in Williamstown and beyond.
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Manny was prompt, described the situation to me, and quoted me a price. His work ethic exceeded my expectations. The work was not as involved as he first thought so he adjusted the amount of the bill accordingly. He did a great job. He was a personable, no-nonsense business man which we appreciated. I would hire him again. Also, he is bi-lingual which helps.
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