How to Maintain Your Water Heater

Your water heater works hard every day to power your hot showers, fresh laundry, and clean dishes. But without regular water heater maintenance, it could cost you more than it should. Neglect can lead to higher energy bills, unexpected breakdowns, and a shorter lifespan for your unit.

Fortunately, a little upkeep goes a long way. In this guide, we’ll cover how to maintain your water heater to keep it running efficiently for years to come.

Why Water Heater Maintenance Matters

Routine hot water heater maintenance keeps your heater working great. You’ll enjoy:

• Improved energy efficiency – A well-maintained heater uses less energy, keeping utility bills in check.
• Extended lifespan – A hot water heater usually lasts between six and 12 years. Regular upkeep can keep you on the upper end of that spectrum.
• Fewer repairs – Catching minor issues early prevents major breakdowns.
• Better water quality – Removing sediment buildup improves performance and prevents rust-colored water.

But what if you neglect maintenance? You could face sediment buildup, reduced heating efficiency, leaks, and even complete system failure. It’s best not to risk it.

Essential Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Regular preventative maintenance on a hot water heater keeps it in top shape. Here are the key tasks every homeowner should perform:

• Flush the water heater annually to remove sediment.
• Check the anode rod for rust and corrosion. Replace if necessary.
• Adjust the temperature to 120°F for optimum efficiency.
• Inspect the system for leaks and corrosion.

How to Flush Your Water Heater

Once each year, it’s a good idea to flush out about one-quarter of the tank in your water heater. If you have very hard water and don’t have a water softener, flush the water heater tank every six months. Here’s how to flush a hot water heater:

1. Turn off the power supply (gas or electric) and the cold water inlet.
2. Attach a hose to the drain valve and place the other end in a safe drainage area.
3. Open the drain valve and turn on the cold water supply to flush out sediment.
4. Wait until the water runs clear, leaving the cold water inlet in the ON position.
5. Close the drain valve and remove the hose. The tank will refill on its own if the inlet water remains ON.
6. Turn the power supply back on.

Ideally, you should flush your water heater once a year to prevent common hot water heater problems like excessive sediment buildup.

Checking the Anode Rod

The anode rod, sometimes called the sacrificial anode, is a long magnesium rod that extends through the interior of the tank. It prevents rust and corrosion inside your water heater by attracting particles of iron, limestone, and other minerals so they won’t wear down the metal tank. Once the anode rod has corroded away, these minerals will go after the tank itself. Inspect the anode rod every 2-3 years, and replace it if it’s heavily corroded. To check your anode rod:

1. Turn off the power and water supply.
2. Locate and unscrew the rod from the top of the tank.
3. If it’s less than ½ inch thick or coated in calcium deposits, replace it.

Adjusting the Temperature for Efficiency

Pay close attention to the thermostat on your water heater. Some manufacturers set the temperature to 140°F by default, which is hotter than most households need. Elevated temperatures can cause scalding, as well as accelerated mineral buildup and corrosion in the pipes.

A recommended setting for water heater maintenance is 120°F. This prevents tank damage and helps you save big on losses of standby and demand heat. Adjusting the thermostat is easy:

1. Locate the temperature dial (on gas models) or access panel (on electric models).
2. Turn the dial or adjust the setting to 120°F. Note that some manufacturers use A, B, C, and D dial settings, so it’s important to check your owner’s manual or do an internet search to determine which letter equates to 120°F.
3. If you leave for an extended period, lower it to vacation mode to save energy.

Inspecting for Leaks and Corrosion

Regularly check for leaks and rust around the base of your water heater. These can indicate a failing unit. Remember, the average lifespan of a conventional water heater is 11 years. Look for:

• Water pooling near the base or water stains on the floor
• Corrosion or rust on the tank
• Dripping from the temperature and pressure relief valve

If you notice any of these issues, you may need repairs or a replacement. It’s best to call in a professional for help if you can’t identify the problem or fix it yourself.

Gas vs. Electric Water Heater Maintenance

While both gas and electric water heaters produce the same result, they have different maintenance steps. With a gas water heater, maintenance steps include:

1. Inspecting the burner for malfunction or damage
2. Checking the gas lines for leaks
3. Cleaning the vent to prevent carbon monoxide buildup

With an electric water heater, there are slightly fewer maintenance steps to consider:

1. Flush sediment from the tank.
2. Ensure the thermostat is working properly.
3. Inspect the connections at the top to ensure there are no leaks.
4. Look for drips from the temperature and pressure relief valve or water stains beneath it on the floor.

Note that the heating elements on an electric water heater are inside the tank, so they cannot be inspected unless they are removed via an access panel, which is difficult and dangerous for the average person.

No matter which type of water heater you’re working on, always turn off the power or gas supply before performing maintenance.

When to Call a Professional

While most homeowners can typically tackle routine water heater maintenance, some issues require expert help. Call a professional if you experience:

• No hot water despite a working power supply
• Persistent leaks or rust on the tank
• Frequent fluctuations in water temperature
• The temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve) is ejecting water
• A water heater that’s more than 10-15 years old and inefficient

Roto-Rooter’s plumbing experts specialize in diagnosing and repairing water heater issues quickly and efficiently. Whether you need a simple fix or a full replacement, our technicians have the experience and tools to get the job done right. Schedule an appointment today to ensure your water heater is operating at peak performance.

FAQ

What maintenance does a water heater need?

Annual flushing, anode rod inspections, leak checks, and thermostat adjustments keep your water heater running efficiently.

Can I flush my water heater myself?

Yes! Flushing your tank requires you to hook up a hose to the drain valve to drain water until it runs clear. However, if you're unsure, a plumber can help.

How do I know if my hot water heater is full of sediment?

Signs of sediment in a water heater include popping or rumbling noises, rusty or cloudy water, or reduced hot water supply.