Hot Water Tanks
The general life expectancy of a hot water tank is between 10 – 15 years. This isn’t to say that there aren’t 30-year-old hot water tanks that work perfectly well. Proper maintenance and care is the key to ensuring the longevity of your tank. Here are some basic maintenance tips:
- Sediment should be drained from the bottom of the tank as per manufacturer recommendation. This will prevent corrosion and ensure cleaner water.
- Proper ventilation is important with gas and oil fired hot water tanks. Carbon Monoxide is a deadly gas (carbon monoxide testing is included in every home inspection). It is important to keep your vents clean and/or maintained with a service contractor.
- Small gas leaks can be present due to old or poorly installed piping (gas leak detection is also included in every home inspection). Look for any extensive damage or wear around the burner. This may impede on efficiency or may even be damaging your system.
- If present, the flue pipe should be clear of any soot or debris. The damper should be operable. * The pressure/temperature relief valve should not show any signs of corrosion or water damage.
- Any signs of gas leaks, flame damage, or carbon monoxide poses a safety and health risk and should be dealt with immediately.
