Common Water Heater Myths Answered | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shares some advice on maintaining water heaters

 
Richard explains that most tank-type water heaters last for about 8-12 years. However, by changing the anode rod every 2 years, you can make the hot water tank last for as long as 30 years. The rods can be found at home centers.

Cost: $10 and up
Skill Level: Beginner

Shopping List:
Anode rod

Steps:
1. Look for a rating plate on the water heater that will tell when the tank was manufactured and the warranty life. Tanks that have reached the end of their warranty period are more likely to fail.
2. If you’re planning to change to a different style water heater, like going from a tank-style to a tankless, its better to change proactively.
3. Water heaters placement will also help determine when it should be replaced. A water heater in the living area or a finished basement could do more damage if it floods than one in an unfinished basement.
4. By proactively changing the anode rod in a tank style water heater every few years, a tank can be kept in service for many years. If the anode rod isn’t changed in the first few years of the water heater’s life, it may be impossible to remove later.
5. Periodically drain the water heater by attaching a hose to the draw off at the bottom of the tank, turn the water supply off, and then turn the water supply off and on a few times quickly.
6. If you notice a leak on the floor, turn off the water supply, attach a hose to the draw off, and drain the tank below the level of the leak. Call a plumber to replace the water heater.

Resources:
All types of water heaters can be found at home centers and plumbing supply houses.

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Common Water Heater Myths Answered | Ask This Old House

[NorthPaddle]

I changed my anode rod today. I got super lucky and found them 80% off at my local Ace Hardware. a $6 fix to hopefully buy me a few more years on mine.

[LifeSavingDefense]

My tank was made Feb 1978. It’s Dec 31 2021.

Still works.

[paulmaxwell]

Warning: an anode rod is installed ridiculously tight at the factory, and it only gets worse with age. Sometimes removing one is impossible. The head can deform. Try loosening yours before spending the money on a replacement.

[David-fvzg]

If you are draining the tank, make sure you turn off the elements, or you will burn them up.

[jaredcoffin]

Gotta remember to tell them to turn off the electricity before draining an electric tank. The elements will instantly over heat and self destruct if on and not submerged in water.

[ptmxtwo]

Richard Trethewey - Plumbing, HVAC and more. This man is the BEST with what he does on TV and now YouTube !!!! And he doesn't drown you with the fast talking 99mph speech spiel.

[hasufinheltain]

Very informative! We just bought our current house last year and the water heater is less than two years old. I've made a note to rinse the inside and replace the anode rod when it hits the two year mark.

[robertrodriquez]

ive had several water heater installers tell me that you shouldnt set your water heater to "High"..set it on "medium heat" setting..your water heater will last way longer..so far, mine is over 20 years old..and its a G.E. brand 30 gallons model.

[mrfordman]

As a maintenance supervisor over several multifamily complexes, we just replaced 7 critically failed water heaters and let me tell you what spending $1, 000 on a water heater is much cheaper than $90, 000 to fix the water damage from a busted one. DONT WAIT! If you see rust. If you notice mildew or moisture replace it or have a serviced by a professional!

[daveedson]

The first thing you do when draining the tank or if it is leaking is shut off the electricity, gas, or oil that is used to heat the water. Big problems if you don't. Safety first!

[Albrecht]

0:58 I´am from germany, and I´am a bit surprised / shocked how USA wastes energy!
My heating system is from early 90s, and my water tank is estimated 2-3 times more better isolated that that one!
I would recommend you:
1. Spend a bit more dollars and buy a boiler with a thicker isolation. Antother advantage: In case of an power failure the water will stay warm much longer.
2. Isolate ALL warmwater pipes from the boiler to the bathroom! Thumb rule: Thickness of the pipe = thickness of the isolation
Calculate that for every american household, this is really a lot of energy which can be saved.
I don´t want to be rude, just my personal recommention.
:-)
Greetings from germany

[PilchPlays]

Had to change the elements in my water heater last year. Had over a foot of sediment in the bottom of it. No way it was washing out the through the drain valve. Got a 1/2" PVC pipe adapted to my shop vac and vacuumed 90% of it out. At least now the lower element is actually doing something and isn't buried in sediment.

[TechmattOfficial]

My water heater started leaking from the top last year in August. We replaced it in September with a Home Depot water heater ourselves without having to call a plumber. If you have a well taken care of chimney it’ll draft no problem. The gas valves 30 years ago to today all sit at the same height so that makes things easy to swap. Just be sure to get the right height water heater.

[ALS]

Richard is fond of saying "but nobody does that" about plumbing failure prevention measures. Just know, Richard, that there are some among us who change anode rods every two years, and who turn off washing machine faucets between uses. And regarding not using the washing machine shutoffs, I blame plumbers. They install the water outlet boxes in places a homeowner cannot reach, short of moving the washing machine.

[spencerwilton]

This makes me glad that copper tanks are still available in the U.K. They last many decades. No anodes. Coppers is Naturally antibacterial. No rust.

[medicman]

One thing that Richard (uncharacteristically) forgot to mention is truning off the power to the unit. Weather it be electrical or ntural gas (or LP) power needs to be shut off when draining the tank. Heating element can be damaged or destroyed by remaing on with no water to heat.

[Zeppelinlv]

Draining the water is really important. I replaced my stock drain valve with a brass 3/4 ball valve setup. Why? The OEM plastic drain valve opening is deceiving; it accepts a garden hose size opening, but the inside port has a small hole. This restricts the bigger chunks of junk from your water heater from flowing out. With the new setup, I was able to flush out the bigger chunks. Then, I calibrated the water heater and was able to turn down the thermostat dial down a full notch. Improved heating efficiency. Got my parts at Home depot: water heater nipple>3/4 ball valve>3/4 MGH-3/4MIP brass adapter.

[jeromesweet]

All depends on water quality. I've ran across tanks from the 80s with no sediment buildup...ON A WELL. Just various greatly all over the place.

[sr]

2:40 this rod is cheap at Home Depot. I’m replacing mine every 2 years.

[realname]

Excellent video. When there is a water leak, the first thing to shut off is the gas.