I'm trying to get as many years out of it as possible, so I've started performing routine maintenance on it. It's really an easy thing to do, and it only take a few minutes each month. Important note: check the manufacturer's recommendation for your water heater (either the website or owner's manual) before performing any maintenance and follow their instructions if they're different than mine.
This maintenance will help keep sediment (crud from the water) from settling in the bottom of your water heater. The less crud the better, because too much of it will break the important things that heat the water.
Also, these steps are for the old fashioned water heaters, not the tankless ones. I don't think this will work for those.
1. Locate your water heater. Luckily, mine is in our laundry room and it's easy to see and reach. Yours might be in a closet, garage or basement. They're usually round and have pipes sticking out of them. Here is a link to pictures if you're unsure.
2. Look at and read the warnings and information that should be posted on your water heater. Determine if the heater is gas or electric. If there is a pilot light, you have gas. Mine is electric.
3. Turn off the gas (if gas) or turn off the circuit breaker (if electric). Grab a glass or plastic cup from your pantry.
4. Locate the water drain, usually on the lower front of the water heater.
5. Place your glass under the drain and open the drain by turning the knob to the left. Turn it slowly until water is flowing, but you don't need to open it all the way. Fill the cup 2/3 of the way, then close the drain by turning the knob to the right.
Ewww, look at that crud. Pour it out.
6. Fill the cup again, and the water should be clearer. If not, repeat a couple of times until the water is noticably clearer.
Much better!
7. Turn the gas back on (if gas) or turn on the circuit breaker (if electric). You're done!
Each year, the tank should be fully drained, but this monthly maintenance should help prolong the life of your water heater!
