Your water heater is one of the most hard-working appliances in your house – but we tend to forget about it until the hot water stops and then it’s a massive problem!
A traditional storage tank water heater should last for 10-12 years, but there are things you can do to extend its life. The sacrificial anode in your tank protects it from the naturally occurring chemicals in the water. If you have this anode replaced every 5 years, along with an annual service, your storage heater could last for an extra 5-10 years.
Signs your anode may need replacing include:
- The water heater makes loud or multiple popping noises when heating up – this could be potential corrosion and hardened mineral sediment.
- Your water heater is more than 5 years old and has never had the anode replaced.
- Rusty coloured water. When your sacrificial anode rod is nearing the end of its life, corrosion can form in your water heater tank.
- Visible signs of cracks or corrosion on your water heater tank.