Essential Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Your water heater works hard behind the scenes, providing hot water for showers, dishes, laundry, and more. Yet, it's often one of the most neglected appliances in the home. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your water heater but also improves its efficiency, saving you money on energy bills and preventing costly emergency repairs.

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Why Water Heater Maintenance Matters

The average water heater lasts 8-12 years, but proper maintenance can extend its life significantly. Regular maintenance:

- Improves energy efficiency
- Extends the lifespan of your unit
- Prevents unexpected breakdowns
- Maintains optimal performance
- Saves money on utility bills
- Ensures safer operation

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How Often Should You Maintain Your Water Heater?

For most residential water heaters, we recommend:

- Visual inspection: Monthly
- Tank flushing: Annually
- Anode rod check: Every 2-3 years
- Pressure relief valve test: Annually
- Professional inspection: Every 1-2 years

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DIY Water Heater Maintenance Tasks

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1. Flush the Tank

Sediment buildup at the bottom of your water heater tank reduces efficiency and can cause damage over time. Flushing removes this sediment.

How to flush your water heater:

1. Turn off the power (for electric) or set to pilot (for gas)
2. Turn off the cold water supply
3. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve
4. Open the drain valve and let the tank empty completely
5. Turn on the cold water supply briefly to stir up remaining sediment
6. Drain again until the water runs clear
7. Close the drain valve, remove the hose, refill the tank
8. Restore power or gas

Safety tip: The water will be hot! Allow your water heater to cool before flushing, or be extremely careful and use appropriate protection.

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2. Test the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

The T&P valve is a critical safety feature that releases pressure if the tank overheats or builds up too much pressure.

Testing procedure:

1. Place a bucket under the discharge pipe
2. Lift the valve's lever halfway and let it snap back
3. You should hear a gurgling sound as water and air enter the pipe
4. If little or no water comes out, or if it doesn't stop, the valve may need replacement

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3. Check the Anode Rod

The anode rod attracts corrosive elements in the water, sacrificing itself to protect the tank. When it's depleted, your tank becomes vulnerable to corrosion.

Checking the anode rod:

1. Turn off power and water supply
2. Locate the hex head of the anode rod (usually on top of the heater)
3. Remove it with a socket wrench
4. If it's less than 1/2 inch thick, heavily corroded, or coated in calcium, it needs replacement

Note: This task can be challenging and may require professional help, especially for older units where the rod might be difficult to remove.

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4. Insulate Older Water Heaters and Pipes

If your water heater is warm to the touch, it's losing heat. Adding insulation can reduce heat loss by 25-45%.

Insulation options:

- Pre-cut water heater blankets (follow manufacturer instructions)
- Pipe insulation sleeves for hot water pipes
- Important: Never cover the top of a gas water heater, the thermostat on an electric heater, or the T&P valve

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5. Adjust the Temperature

The Department of Energy recommends setting your water heater to 120°F (49°C). This temperature reduces energy consumption while still providing comfortable hot water and minimizing scalding risk.

How to adjust:

- For electric heaters: Turn off power, remove the thermostat cover, adjust with a screwdriver
- For gas heaters: Look for the temperature dial on the gas valve

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When to Call a Professional

While many maintenance tasks can be DIY projects, some situations call for professional help:

- If you notice leaking or corrosion
- If your water heater makes unusual noises (popping, cracking)
- If you're not comfortable performing maintenance yourself
- For annual professional inspections
- If your water heater is over 10 years old and showing signs of failure

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Signs Your Water Heater Needs Attention

Don't wait for a cold shower to realize your water heater needs maintenance. Watch for these warning signs:

- Rusty or discolored water
- Unusual noises
- Leaking around the base of the heater
- Inconsistent water temperature
- Reduced hot water supply
- Water takes longer to heat

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Tankless Water Heater Maintenance

If you have a tankless water heater, maintenance is still important but differs slightly:

- Descaling: Every 6-12 months depending on water hardness
- Filter cleaning: Check and clean the inlet filter every 1-2 months
- Annual professional inspection: Recommended for optimal performance

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Conclusion

A little preventative maintenance goes a long way in extending the life of your water heater and ensuring it operates efficiently. By following these simple maintenance steps, you can avoid the inconvenience and expense of unexpected water heater failures.

Need help with water heater maintenance? Our professional plumbers are experienced with all types and brands of water heaters. Contact us today to schedule a water heater maintenance service or to learn more about our water heater installation options.