A
cursory search of Google will tell you that the average lifespan of a
water heater is 8-11 years. While one shouldn't believe everything
that’s stated on the internet there is some truth to this statement. But
only some.
When
I first started my plumbing career in the 90’s I remember removing
water heaters that were installed in the 1950 and 60's. Some of those
were still heating water the day I removed them. I don’t see water
heaters that are still working 30 or 40 years later anymore. Very rarely
will I find one that is still kicking after 20 years. But that doesn't
have to be the case.
Much
to the chagrin of conventional wisdom water heater manufacturers
haven't cheapened the quality of the units produced these days.They
really do still “make ‘em like they used to”.
With
the constant threat of lawsuits these days they may even be making them
better. But the problem doesn't lie in how modern water heaters are
made. The problem lies with how they are installed and maintained, or
more appropriately, how they aren't installed and maintained.
There
are five layers of protection water heaters have against failure and
leakage. The first two are provided from the manufacturer.
First,
is the anode rod. The anode rod is a long piece of metal which runs
almost the full length of the water heater and its job is to
disintegrate from the reactive materials and electric current in the
water BEFORE your tank does. In most areas and for many water conditions
they last about five years before they are completely depleted. If you
read the manual that comes with your water heater you will see the
manufacturer recommend that the anode be inspected at least annually for
deterioration.
Second
is the glass lining. Just imagine the inside of your water heater tank
being glazed like a piece of pottery. This is a similar process for
protecting the steel of your tank. Once the anode rod deteriorates,
this glass lining is the only thing preventing the tank from rusting
out. On its own, this lining doesn't last very long.
The
other layers of protection are provided by the installer of the water
heater and mandated by most plumbing codes. The primary one is from
proper piping connection. Dielectric unions provide a buffer zone
between the steel of the water heater tank and the copper piping which
connects the tank to the rest of the plumbing system. When steel and
copper are connected and water run through them they begin to share
electrons at a rapid rate. We refer to this sharing of electronic bonds
as corrosion. Dielectric unions/connections are often overlooked or
ignored by installers to the detriment of the water heaters longevity.
The
fourth layer of protection is also provided by your water heater
installer. In many scenarios a water heater is required to have a
thermal expansion tank. If you have a pressure reducing valve, or a
back check valve at your meter (most municipalities do) you are required
by code to have a thermal expansion tank. This device gives a safe
place for the extra volume created by heating water to go. Without this
device, every time the water heater turns on to reheat the stored water,
it will produce excess pressure/volume which is a stress on the water
heater, water piping, and fixtures attached to it (toilets, washing
machine hoses, ice maker, etc.).
The
fifth layer of protection is provided by you, the operator of the
heater. Again, referring to that handy manual which the manufacturer
provided you will find all water heaters should be flushed out and
drained to remove build up and sediment at least annually. Some
manufacturers recommend this every six months! This not only keeps the
water heater at full heating capacity, it also prevents minerals and
deposits from attaching to the inside of the tank and solidifying
causing future damage.
Unfortunately
most of the water heaters I see these days are improperly installed.
BIg box stores and do it yourselfers just don't have the know how of a
licensed professional. As a result a water heater that should be running
for 15 to 20 years is dead and gone in only ten. Just because its
heating water and not leaking does NOT ensure a plumbing fixture is
installed correctly, especially a water heater. The manufacturer
recommendations and the municipal codes are there to not only keep
people safe but also to ensure they get the full benefit of a properly
installed unit.
Learn more about water heaters and water heater replacement at Pathmaker Plumbing.
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