A water heater will work for 10-12 years only if it is maintained properly. A little preventive maintenance will extend the lifespan of your water heater as well as produces the hot water flawlessly.
If you regularly maintain the water heater then you need a help of a professional to do the job for you. It's easy to do with just a screwdriver and a bucket. Before starting to clean, ensure that the power is in the off state.
By adjusting the thermostat to 120 degrees you'll save up to 5% in energy costs when you reduce the temperature to 10 degrees lower every time. It also minimizes the risk of scalding.
This will help in removing sediments and debris. Just stop the cold water supply, then drain the valve using any garden hoses, and wait until the water is clear. If the water is cloudy, then open the valve even bigger and drain to stir up the remaining sediment, and drain the tank again. This method will be responsible for quiet operation.
If not regularly, check the temperature-pressure relief valve atleast once a year. With a clear inspection, you can find out even the minor leaks from the valve.
To improve the efficiency of a water heater insulate the older units with a fiberglass jacket. Avoid contact with the flue. Also, insulate the hot and cold water pipes.
Adjust the thermostat on gas heaters to “vacation” mode, which will help to maintain the pilot light without heating the water.
A water heater is being used in everyone's day-to-day life, so it's good to keep up with water heater maintenance. Check the above tips and ensure your water heater is taken care of and remains in good working order.