According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, most water heaters last about 10 years, which is significantly shorter than that of many other major home appliances. However, with regular maintenance, you can likely extend your water heater's life by several years, helping you get the most out of your initial investment. In this post, we'll share best practices for maintaining your water heater and explain when it's time to schedule professional service.

How to maintain your water heater

Want to ensure hot water constantly flows through your home's plumbing and you're maximizing your water heater's return on investment? Here's a look at some maintenance practices to follow:

Have it flushed

One of the biggest reasons water heaters have such a short lifespan is mineral and sediment buildup, which collects at the bottom of the tank. Over time, this buildup can insulate the tank's heating element, making it work harder. It can also potentially corrode the bottom of the tank, resulting in leaks and premature water heater failure.

Flushing a water heater can help remove sediment buildup and keep it working effectively and efficiently. While you may be able to do this yourself, it's often best to schedule service with a professional to maximize mineral and sediment removal. The process involves running a hose from the heater to a drain, sink or outdoors, then flushing out the tank to remove any sediment buildup. To lengthen the lifespan of your water heater, schedule this service annually.

Have the anode rods replaced every few years

Anode rods are metal pieces placed within a water heater to help prevent corrosion. These rods are "sacrificial," meaning that they corrode and degrade rather than the water tank itself. As they corrode and degrade over time, replacement is often necessary.

Anode rod replacement involves more than just removing the current rods and installing new ones, and it is best done by a professional. Consider having the anode rods inspected and replaced every two to three years to help extend the life of your water heater.

Have a water softener installed

If you have hard water, consider having a whole-home water softener installed to reduce mineral deposits and protect your water heater and your home's plumbing system. Water softeners offer several benefits, including an extended lifespan for your home's water-using appliances, like water heaters.

Consider tankless options

Even with proper maintenance, your water heater won't last forever. When it comes time to replace your water heater, you might consider a tankless model over a conventional storage tank water heater. Tankless water heaters tend to last for up to 20 years, are maintenance-friendly, and take up a smaller footprint in your home, freeing up more space in storage areas. However, the most significant benefit of a tankless water heater is how it operates. Rather than storing and heating water, tankless heaters produce hot water on demand. In many residential homes, tankless heaters are up to 34 percent more efficient than conventional models.