How can I prevent my water heater from breaking down?

As much as we love the warm summer days, there are downsides to that extra time spent soaking in the bath or taking an evening shower. With the average home now having two or three water heaters, there’s also a higher chance that one of them is going to break down sooner rather than later. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to minimize the chances of having to call a plumber on a rainy day. If you have an above-ground water heater or a large family with lots of guests coming through, there are some steps you can take that will reduce the risk of having to call a plumber due to a break-down. For the average home with a standard-sized water heater, there are a few things you can do that will help protect it from breaking down before its warranty expires. Read on for more information about how you can help keep your water heater working for years to come.

Change It Out Once a Year

Water heaters are designed to operate within a certain range of temperatures for safety reasons. If they get too hot they can cause damage to the internal components, and if they get too cold, they won’t be able to supply the water you need. The best way to keep your water heater from breaking down is to keep it at a consistent, safe temperature. The easiest way to do that is to change out your water heater’s thermostat once a year. There are a few different types of thermostats used in water heaters, so it’s important to know which one you have and what settings it runs at when you purchase a new one. Once you know what type of thermostat you have, you can look online for replacement parts so you can change it out once a year.

Protect It From Freezing

If you’ve ever had to turn on a faucet in the middle of the night after coming home from a cold winter evening, you know how cold water can feel. Unfortunately, if you’ve got a water heater that has been shut off for the winter, water that’s left in the pipes can freeze and cause damage to the water pipes in your home. The best way to protect your water heater from freezing is to switch it off when the temperature outside drops below freezing. Unfortunately, most water heaters don’t have a built-in sensor to keep them from freezing over. If your water heater doesn’t have a built-in freeze protection, you can buy a thermostat that will automatically shut off the water heater when the temperature outside drops below freezing. Another option is to change out your water heater to one with a built-in freeze protection.

Maintain It

If you’ve ever had to change a water heater in your home, you know how messy and time-consuming the process can be. If you’re planning on replacing your water heater, you’ll want to start by getting an estimate on how much it will cost. If you decide to go with a new water heater, you can ask the plumber about scheduling the installation and make sure your water heater is installed properly. After the installation, you’ll want to make sure to keep up with the maintenance. The best way to make sure your water heater lasts as long as possible is to pay attention to the maintenance. One of the most important things you can do is to check and make sure the anode rod is in place. The anode rod is a sacrificial metal rod that protects the water heater’s internal parts from corrosion.

Don’t Use It for Bathtubs

If you live in a home with an above-ground water heater, it’s important to remember that water in that type of heater is constantly recycled. This means that it can’t be used to fill your bathtub, and it can’t be used to flush your toilet either. If you have an above-ground water heating unit, you should only use it for cooking, washing dishes, or taking a shower.

Bottom line

There are lots of ways to prevent your water heater from breaking down, but they all require a little bit of upfront planning and maintenance. Before you replace your water heater, make sure you know how long the old water heater has been running and decide if you want to go with the same type of water heater or something new and improved. Once you’ve made the decision to replace your water heater, you can start planning for the installation and make sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast to make sure the installation goes smoothly.

Frequently Asked Question

​Can I install a hot water heater myself?
While you technically can install a hot water heater yourself as a homeowner, the likelihood that this is a good or safe idea is very slim. Trust the professionals with your hot water heater installation to make sure it's done correctly. You wouldn't want to cause yourself or your family any harm.
​Why is installing a water heater so expensive?
The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For a new tankless water heater, new electric wiring will need to be installed.
​What is done when replacing a hot water heater?
Turn off all water supplies in the house. Turn on all the hot water faucets in the house in order to drain what is left in the existing hot water heater. Then, disconnect the water line that connects the water heater to the rest of the house. There is often a connection on a hose that you can simply unscrew.
​What is the average cost for a 50 gallon water he
These heaters can be fueled by electricity, gas, or liquid propane and installed in many areas of your home. The national average cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater is $1,100 to $2,800, with most people paying around $1,800 for a direct replacement of a 50-gallon gas hot water heater using the same model.
When is the best time for a new water heater?
  • Your older water heater is getting up there in age
  • It's making strange noises
  • You're getting rusty water out of the tap
  • Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
  • There are water puddles around the unit
Should I set my water heater to very hot?
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.
Does turning up the temp. make hot water last long
Turn up the thermostat on the hot water heater. One of the easiest ways to make a hot shower last longer is by using less hot water while it's at a higher temperature. To do this, turn up the temperature on the thermostat that's attached to the hot water heater tank. (Not the thermostat on the wall.)
What shortens the life of a water heater?
Sediment buildup shortens the life of your water heater and adds to your energy bill by reducing its efficiency. Draining two or three gallons of water is usually enough to flush out sediments, but always let the water flow until you no longer see particles in the bucket. Regular water heater maintenance will always extend its lifespan.
Why does my hot water last 10 minutes?
  • You're overusing hot water.
  • The water heater tank size is too small for your household.
  • Your hot water heater is tankless.
  • Sediment or minerals have built up in your water heating system.
Does a water softener reduce the life of a water h
Soft water can actually corrode the water heater anode faster. When the anode wears down, the corrosive elements will move on to the tank. So if left alone, a water softener system can actually shorten the lifespan of a water heater.