Without the rod hot water rapidly corrodes the inside of the tank shortening its life.
Water heater maintenance.
A simple three step annual maintenance plan will extend the life of the water heater.
Both electric water heaters and gas water heaters can be maintained in similar ways.
Just follow these hot water heater maintenance tips to make your hot water less expensive.
Check the pressure valve.
Water heaters work hard for you providing warm baths clean clothes and sparkling pots and pans.
If you re looking for more energy efficient water heaters look into hybrid water heaters.
This rusty wire is all that remains of what was once a inch anode rod made of aluminum or magnesium.
So show your water heater some love by following a routine maintenance schedule that will keep it running for its 15 year expected lifetime and perhaps beyond.
Steps on how to maintain a hot water heater 1.
Both types of water heaters should be flushed regularly to prevent a build up of rust and corrosion.
These come with the instructions and are often overlooked as water is pumped into your water.
If the valve doesn t operate correctly the tank can overpressurize and explode.
Both gas and electric water heaters have a safety device called a temperature and pressure relief valve or t p valve for short.
In the event the tank overpressurizes the relief valve opens and releases the pressure.