What Does YOUR Water Heater Look Like?
When you hear a plumber say, "Flush your water heater," there's a solid reason behind it. Recently, I took a closer look at water heaters of various ages to uncover what’s really going on inside them, and trust me, what I found was eye-opening.
I started out with three different water heaters: a six-year-old gas unit, an 18-year-old electric model, and another gas heater that was nearly 30 years old. I decided to cut them open to see what’s inside.
Before diving into the guts of these heaters, I made sure to gear up with the proper safety equipment. Wearing mono goggles that combine a goggle and shield was essential to protect my face from any potential hazards. Safety is always a priority, whether you're working under a sink or out in the field.
Starting with the six-year-old gas water heater, the inside didn’t look too bad. The anode rod was in decent shape, which suggested it might have been replaced at some point. The cold water inlet assembly was doing its job, spraying water around to keep the bottom clean. This one was in good condition. There was a bit of buildup on the anode rod, but nothing alarming. Overall, a pretty good water heater in pretty good shape.
The 18-year-old electric heater told a different story. It had a significant amount of sediment buildup, meaning it probably hadn’t been flushed as often as recommended, if at all. When we opened it up, there was a layer of sediment at the bottom that was quite thick. The anode rod was almost entirely corroded, reduced to the size of a wire. This heater clearly hadn’t been maintained well, and the inside showed it.
Last was the nearly 30-year-old gas water heater. What I saw was shocking. For starters, crickets. Crickets inside the water heater. The anode rod was completely gone, and there was a massive amount of rust and buildup inside. The cold water inlet tube was loose at the top, and the inside was filled with a mix of sediment and rust. This is the kind of disaster you get when you neglect proper maintenance.
So why did I cut into these water heaters? So you can see the effect of time on these appliances. Flushing your water heater annually is crucial for its efficiency and longevity. When you don't flush it, sediment builds up at the bottom, forcing your heater to work harder and less efficiently. Plus, this sediment can end up in your hot water supply, which definitely is something you don’t want.
So what can you do to avoid these issues? I’ll give you three really easy things you can do so you don’t have issues like these.
Flush Annually: From the time you install your water heater, make it a point to flush it once a year. This simple step can significantly extend the life of your unit.
Replace the Anode Rod: Change your anode rod after the first year. This helps prevent corrosion inside your tank.
Regular Inspections: Regularly check your water heater for any signs of rust or buildup.
Maintaining your water heater isn’t just about keeping it operational; it’s about ensuring the health and safety of your home. Taking care of your water heater ensures it will take care of you and your family. Regular maintenance keeps it running smoothly and efficiently. Don’t neglect this essential appliance—flush it regularly, inspect it, and keep it in good shape.