Water Heater Maintenance: Extend Your Unit's Life

Your water heater works hard every day, providing hot water for showers, dishes, and laundry. With proper maintenance, it can last 10-15 years. Neglect it, and you might be shopping for a replacement in 6-8 years. Here’s how to keep it running efficiently.

Annual Maintenance Tasks

1. Flush the Tank

Sediment builds up at the bottom of your water heater tank, reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage. Annual flushing removes this buildup.

How to flush your water heater:

1. Turn off the power (gas or electric)
2. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve
3. Run the hose to a floor drain or outside
4. Open the drain valve and let water flow until clear
5. Close the valve and refill the tank before restoring power

2. Test the Pressure Relief Valve

The T&P (temperature and pressure) relief valve is a critical safety feature. Test it annually:

1. Place a bucket under the discharge pipe
2. Lift the valve lever for 5 seconds
3. Water should flow freely, then stop when released
4. If it doesn’t work properly, replace the valve immediately

3. Check the Anode Rod

The anode rod sacrifices itself to prevent tank corrosion. Check it every 2-3 years:

• Remove the rod from the top of the tank
• If it’s less than ½ inch thick or coated with calcium, replace it
• A worn anode rod means your tank is corroding

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Attention

Call a plumber if you notice:

• Rusty or discolored hot water
• Rumbling or popping noises
• Water pooling around the base
• Inconsistent water temperature
• Hot water running out quickly
• Visible corrosion on the tank

When to Replace vs. Repair

Consider repair if:

• Unit is less than 8 years old
• Problem is a replaceable component (thermostat, element, valve)
• No visible tank corrosion or leaks

Consider replacement if:

• Unit is over 10 years old
• Tank is leaking
• Repairs cost more than 50% of replacement
• You’re experiencing frequent issues

Tankless vs. Traditional

If you’re replacing, consider a tankless water heater:

Tankless advantages:

• Endless hot water on demand
• 20+ year lifespan
• 20-30% more energy efficient
• Space-saving design

Traditional advantages:

• Lower upfront cost
• Simpler installation
• Works during power outages (gas models)
• Lower maintenance requirements

Professional Maintenance

While DIY maintenance helps, annual professional inspections catch problems early:

• Electrical connection safety check
• Gas line inspection (gas models)
• Combustion analysis
• Full system efficiency evaluation

Schedule Your Water Heater Service

Whether you need maintenance, repair, or replacement, contact Leander Plumber for expert water heater services. We’ll help you get the most life out of your current unit or find the right replacement for your home.