There are tons of reviews for water heaters and many that mention the water heater only lasted a few years or the water heater has rusted or corroded and the reviewer states the water heater is a piece of junk. I would contend that if some people would perform annual water heater maintenance on the water heater these water heaters would last many more years. Water heater maintenance is very easy to perform and for those who are not the do-it-yourself types you can call your local plumbing service provider to take care of the water heater maintenance for you.
I have had people ask me questions about peculiarities with their water heater such as an intermittent popping noise in the water heater or the water heater rumbling. Many of these problems can be solved simply by draining the tank and refilling it with fresh water. You see over time your water heater will build up sediment in the bottom of the water heater. The sediment build up inside the water heater is a result of heating and cooling inside the water heater and when this happens some of the sediments in the water are released and slowly over time cause problems with the water heater. By turning the water heater off, whether it is gas or electric or other, and shutting the cold water supply off, you can drain the sediments form the water.
The Water Heater Sacrificial Anode Rod
When you do this it is a great time to check the sacrificial anode rod inside the water heater. In the typical water heater the anode rod can be found on the top of the heater . You will need a large adjustable wrench to unscrew the rod and pull it out for inspection. Make sure the water heater is off. Close the cold water supply and if it is installed close the hot water valve also. By closing the hot water valve to the hot water heater you will drain the water out of the hot water supply line going to the hot water faucets in the house. Some water heaters do not have a valve on the hot water supply going to the faucets. In this case make sure all the hot water faucets are securely closed to prevent the water from draining out of the hot water line. At the bottom of the hot water heater there is a drain valve. Carefully drain open this drain valve. Make sure there is a safe place to drain the water heater to. You may need a water hose in some cases depending on where the water heater is installed and if a drain is readily available near the water heater. Make sure the drain is low than the water heater especially if using a water hose.
Using an adjustable wrench carefully unscrew the anode rod and remove it. Inspect the rod. If it is severely pitted replace the anode rod. Your local plumbing supply house should have replacement anode rods available.
If you cannot find the anode rod or you can’t get it lose then you will still need to drain the water heater down. If this is the case then you need to open up a hot water faucet. This will facilitate a flow so the water heater can drain completely. Before closing the valve after the water heater is drained open the cold water valve to completely flush all the sediments from the water heater. Finish draining the water heater by thoroughly flushing it with the cold water valve. Again, if you weren’t able to check the anode rod you may want to give a plumber a call to have them check the water heater anode rod. It is necessary to have a good anode rod in the water heater to extend the life of the water heater.
A good video on replacing the water heaters anode rod
Water Heater Maintenance: Solving Problems and Extending the Life a Water Heater
