3 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater This Winter

As the new cliché goes, “Winter is coming.” While winter technically doesn’t start until late December, we’re already feeling its chilling effects in Philadelphia. Thick coats and gloves are on just about every resident, and we’re already finding it difficult to identify our neighbors through their scarves.

As you begin winterizing your home, one factor you may overlook is the water heater. It has served dutifully for many years, and therefore is pushed to the back of our minds. However, on the bitter winds rides disaster for your water heater if it is not properly maintained. Follow these three steps to extend the life of your water heater this winter and ensure it serves you dutifully through the cold seasons.

Insulate Everything

If you have an electric water heater tank, insulate it to make sure the water inside it stays warm longer. This will be beneficial to both your family, as there is more hot water for showers, and for the unit itself, as it does not have to work as hard to maintain its proper temperatures. While you can insulate it yourself, the best way to extend the life of your water heater this winter is to have it professionally insulated by a ServiceWhale contractor.

For gas and tankless water heaters, insulating the unit itself is not really an option. But, you can insulate elsewhere. Wrapping up the plumbing coming to and from the unit can work wonders. Even something as simple as wrapping the tubing in foil can help. But, for the best results, you should have a professional do the work for you.

Perform Regular Maintenance

Right now is the best time to perform your regular maintenance on your water heater. You want to make sure it is ready to work throughout the winter. After all, a cold shower in the summer isn’t so bad, but a cold one in the winter can feel like torture. The most obvious maintenance is to drain, clean and refill your tank to avoid buildup over the cold months.

Before refilling the tank, however, check your anodes to see if they are rusted through. If so, replace them immediately. Next, check the temperature and pressure relief valve to make sure it is in proper working order. With a gas tank, check the pilot light to ensure it is turning on and burning fuel properly. If needed, adjust the temperature to its optimal setting to extend the life of your water heater this winter.

Call In the Experts

If you are unsure how to maintain your water heater, you aren’t alone — and the winter months are not the time to attempt figuring it out. Instead, call an expert contractor from ServiceWhale to examine your unit and ensure it is in working order. They can complete any repairs you may need done and even install a new one, if your current heater is about to kick the bucket.

ServiceWhale takes pride in the fact that every contractor on our site is vetted and will provide the utmost care for your unit. If you would like a professional to come out and extend the life of your water heater this winter, use our request form for a free quote today!