Water heaters generally have a lifespan of 8-12 years, but as with anything, the better care you take of it, the longer it will last. There are several easy “set it and forget it” tips that you can use with your water heater, like keeping the thermostat at 120 degrees, and always maintain two feet of clearance around the appliance. You can also conserve money on your gas bill by setting your heater to its “vacation” setting when leaving town. This will keep the pilot light going without heating the water.

Water heater maintenance goes well beyond just checking the thermostat, however. Here are some detailed tips for making sure your water heater lives a long, full life.

Remove sediment buildup at the base of the tank by flushing the tank at least once annually and more often if you have hard water. To flush the water heater, attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the base of the tank and run the hose out to a location where hot water can be safely drained. Turn the valve on and allow it to run for several minutes — until the water becomes clear. Since you will be dealing with hot water, be careful not to get burned.

For water heaters that have not been flushed in ages (those that might have much sediment at the base of the tank), we suggest using a chemical additive that will help dissolve the sediment and facilitate the flushing process. Such a chemical can be found in the plumbing or water heater section or your local hardware store or home-improvement center. Another excellent resource is a plumbing supply house that sells to the trade.

Use the chemical in strict accordance with the directions on the label. Usually the cold-water supply valve to the water heater will need to be turned off and the supply line removed from the top of the water heater so that the solutions can be poured into the water heater. After a time — usually several hours — the water heater can be flushed as described earlier.

Another sediment-busting technique that is being used by many water heater manufacturers is a curved dip tube. The dip tube is a small-diameter plastic pipe that carries water from the cold-water inlet at the top of the water heater to within 12 inches or so of the base of the tank where the burners are located. A curve at the end of the dip tube (placed at the proper angle) will create a swirling action that will help reduce sediment buildup and assist in the flushing process.

Pinhole leaks in the tank lining are prevented by a cathodic or “sacrificial” anode that is located inside the tank. It is a vertical rod with a hex head that runs from the top of the tank to within about a foot of the base.

As its name implies, the anode is designed to give itself up to protect the integrity of the tank. Depending on its composition (zinc, magnesium or aluminum), the water quality and whether you have a water softener, an anode can require replacement as often as once a year. An anode should, however, last about three years.

A replacement anode can be found in the water heater-plumbing section of your local hardware store or home center or at a plumbing supply store that sells to the trade. Removal and replacement can be a daunting task that might best be left to a plumber.