Check the pressure relief valve · 4.Rinse half a liter of water · 5.If you do routine maintenance, the lifespan of a water heater can last 10 to 12 years and a tankless water heater can operate for up to 20 years. Preventive maintenance helps ensure a long life of the water heater. Placing a cooking thermometer in a bowl of freshly discharged hot water works perfectly to verify that the water temperature is where it should be. Water used for cleaning or bathing should not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Water heater maintenance involves washing the unit, checking and changing the anode rod if necessary, inspecting for rust or leaks, and testing the thermostat and valves.
Flushing is the most important step in water heater maintenance, and it's something you shouldn't skip. Over time, sediment can build up in the water heater and cause incrustation inside the unit. The accumulation of lime can cause oxidation, leakage and slow down the heating process of the water. Over time, the build-up can cause the water heater to fail prematurely.
During maintenance, the plumber will test the thermostat, inspect for leaks, remove sediment, and perform other tasks to keep the unit in perfect condition. If you're not comfortable working on your water heater, the smart thing to do is schedule maintenance with a plumber once per year.
