The last de-icer I had did not last very long. What can I do to make a de-icer last longer?
A properly maintained de-icer will give years and years of service. There is one simple rule to follow to extend the life of a de-icer: keep it clean. Lime and mineral deposits insulate the de-icer and the heat cannot escape quick enough from the unit. This leads to burn out. To clean the de-icer, use white vinegar or a commercial lime cleaning solution (eg, Lime-Away). Soak the de-icer in the solution overnight or until the deposits dissolve. You may have to clean the de-icer several times a year depending on the hardness of your water and other factors.
