Expert Tips from Flow Pros Plumbing in St. Petersburg, Florida
Hey, everyone! This is Jared with Flow Pros Plumbing, and today, I’m sharing expert tips on how to keep your water heater running efficiently for years to come. Whether you have a gas or electric unit, regular maintenance and proper care can prevent costly repairs and replacements.
Follow these simple steps to extend the life of your water heater and save money in the long run!
1. Regular Drainage to Prevent Sediment Buildup
One of the best ways to extend your water heater’s lifespan is by draining it once a year. Over time, sediment from hard water settles at the bottom of the tank, reducing efficiency and causing damage.
How to Drain Your Water Heater:
1️⃣ Turn off the power at the breaker (electric) or shut off the gas supply (gas).
2️⃣ Shut off the water supply to the unit.
3️⃣ Attach a hose to the drain valve and let the water fully drain.
4️⃣ Close the valve and refill the tank using the top valve.
5️⃣ Bleed the system by turning on hot water faucets to release trapped air.
6️⃣ Turn the power back on or relight the pilot (gas models).
✅ Benefit: Prevents internal damage, improves efficiency, and extends the unit’s life.
2. Consider an Extended Warranty
A standard water heater warranty lasts around 6 years, but an extended warranty can offer additional protection. Since water heaters are essential to your home, investing in extra coverage can save you from expensive repairs down the road.
💡 Pro Tip: Always read the warranty terms to see what parts and services are covered.
3. Protect Your Water Heater from Hard Water
Hard water is one of the biggest threats to water heaters in St. Petersburg, FL. The minerals in hard water can cause:
⚠️ Scale buildup inside the tank
⚠️ Heating element damage
⚠️ Reduced efficiency and higher energy bills
How to Prevent Hard Water Damage:
💧 Install a Whole-House Water Filtration System – Softens water before it enters the tank.
🔧 Use a Descaling Cartridge – These devices eliminate up to 80% of scale buildup and last 8-12 years.
💰 Installation Cost for Descaling Cartridge: $615 – $715
🛠 Best for: Tankless & gas water heaters
4. Ensure Proper Installation & Code Compliance
Proper installation is key to maximizing the life of your water heater. One crucial component is an expansion tank, which protects your unit from pressure surges caused by thermal expansion.
Signs You Need an Expansion Tank:
❌ Dripping pressure relief valve
❌ Tripped circuit breakers (electric models)
❌ Weakened tank integrity & element damage
✅ Solution: When installing a new water heater, ensure all components meet local plumbing codes to avoid future problems.
Need a new unit? Check out our water heater installation services!
5. Preventive Maintenance with Flow Pros Plumbing
If you want to extend your water heater’s life and avoid costly breakdowns, schedule preventive maintenance with Flow Pros Plumbing in St. Petersburg, FL.
🛠 Our Water Heater Services Include:
✔️ Annual maintenance & flushing
✔️ Water heater repairs
✔️ New installations & replacements
📞 Need expert water heater service? Call us today!