Submitted by David Heffner of Heffner Plumbing

The average life of a water heater relative to its amount of use, water quality and other factors is seven to 14 years. There is a good chance that there are other problems in your plumbing system if your replacement cycle on water heaters is occurring more frequently than that.

A water softener for an electric water heater makes a huge difference in terms of longevity. Your water pressure should be under 80 PSI. The plumbing code requires that the incoming water pressure to the house be at or below 80 PSI. Water pressures above 80 PSI will erode copper pipe and can create a host of problems for your plumbing system to include premature failure of your water heater.

A pressure reducing valve is installed on the main water line inside the house and will permanently bring your water pressure down to below 80 PSI. A thermal expansion tank is needed if a pressure reducing valve is installed.

A thermal expansion tank can improve the water heater’s lifespan. This is a device that has an air bladder in it that expands and contracts as water is being heated. This prevents the water heater tank from expanding and contracting, which over time stresses the welds of the steel tank of the water heater and causing it to fail prematurely.

If a plumber replaces a water heater and doesn’t address these three areas, he could be costing the customer a small fortune in the process as they will be replacing the water heater sooner than necessary.

David Heffner is a licensed plumbing contractor in the state of Indiana and is bonded and insured. Heffner Plumbing is a highly rated company with Angie’s List and has received the Super Service Award every year since 2004. Heffner received the 2009 Contractor of the Year Award by the Greater Indianapolis Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (GIPHCC).

As of Oct. 21, 2011, this service provider was highly rated on Angie’s List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check AngiesList.com for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie’s List.