Water Heater Maintenance Guide: X Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

If you want to increase the longevity of your water heater, the right maintenance plan is key. Consistent water heater maintenance can boost your energy efficiency, increase the unit’s performance, and prevent unexpected repairs from becoming necessary. By learning some proactive maintenance tips and scheduling routine maintenance, you can take charge of your water heater’s care and save money in the long run.

Why Water Heater Maintenance Matters

In a typical American household, water heaters are the second largest consumer of energy. They make up to 18% of the typical home’s energy expenses.

When you schedule water heater maintenance, you can enjoy a few important benefits. Besides better efficiency, you can also save money through fewer repairs and breakdowns. A well-maintained water heater is safer for your loved ones and your home. Additionally, sticking to your water heater maintenance schedule will also ensure you have a consistent supply of hot water.

How Often Should You Maintain a Water Heater?

As a homeowner, it’s important to learn how to maintain a water heater. The frequency of maintenance depends on the type of water heater and the activity involved. 

For a tank water heater, you’ll generally need to flush the unit at least once per year to remove sediment. The anode rod, which is responsible for protecting your tank from sediment, needs to be inspected every three years. If there is an issue with it, it must be replaced. Throughout the year, you should pay attention to any signs of leaks.

If you have hard water, tankless water heaters should be flushed every year. For soft water, flushing can occur every two to three years.

No matter what type of water heater you have, you should schedule a professional water heater maintenance inspection once per year. This inspection will help you diagnose and prevent water heater issues, saving you money in the long run.

Key Water Heater Maintenance Tips

By following your manufacturer’s water heater maintenance guide, you can ensure better energy efficiency, longevity, and performance. The following are just a few of the most important water heater maintenance tips.

• Check and flush the tank at least once per year. 
• Test the temperature and pressure relief valve (TPR) to make sure it can safely lower excessive pressure or temperatures.
• Inspect the anode rod for corrosive elements. Replace it every three to five years.
• Look and listen to potential warning signs, such as unusual noises or discolorations.
• Clean the area around the heater.
• Adjust the thermostat. Besides being potentially dangerous, higher temperature settings will force the water heater to work harder than it ought to.

Maintenance Tips for Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters have different requirements. To make sure your water heater lasts as long as possible, remember to use the following water heater maintenance tips.

First, you should always flush and descale the system at least once per year. This helps to prevent minerals from building up on the heat exchanger and internal elements.

You should also check the in-line filter, which is generally located at the bottom of the unit on the cold water inlet pipe. By checking and cleaning this filter, you can prevent damage to your water heater and ensure adequate water flow.

Finally, you should read through your manufacturer’s guide to see if there are any specific instructions for your water heater. Often, manufacturer warranties will have specific rules about the type of maintenance you have to perform for the warranty to remain valid.

Should You Do It Yourself or Call a Professional?

While the best water heater maintenance tips can prevent malfunctions, you may still require repairs from time to time. Use the following tips to determine when you need to call a professional or perform the maintenance on your own.

• Gas Water Heaters: If you’re dealing with a gas water heater, you should always reach out to a professional for water heater servicing to ensure your family’s safety.
• Leaks: Water damage can be expensive, so you need a plumbing expert to handle any leaks.
• Warranties: Sometimes, your warranty will require a professional to deal with specific types of repairs. Check your warranty before performing any work on your own.
• Complex Tasks: Anything that is extremely complex should be left to the experts.
• Equipment Requirements: If specialized equipment is needed, it will often be cheaper to simply pay a plumber to handle the repairs for you.

Bonus Tips to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater

To increase the lifespan of your unit, consider adopting some of the following tips.

• Make sure the water heater is set to 120°F instead of 140°F. Higher temperatures make the water heater work harder, leading to a premature breakdown.
• Insulate the tank and pipes to reduce heat loss. This lowers the amount of work your water heater has to do.
• Hard water is damaging to water heaters, so consider getting a water softener installed in your home.
• Use vacation mode when you’re gone. Modern water heaters often have this option, which can save you money on energy costs.

Again, remember to always flush your tank each year. Sediment buildup leads to the corrosion of the anode rod, and the insulating effect of sediment makes units work harder. As a result, too much sediment can quickly shorten your unit’s lifespan.

Schedule Your Water Heater Maintenance in Littleton

By flushing your water heater tank, scheduling water heater maintenance, and paying attention to leaks, you can save money on repairs, energy efficiency issues, and water damage. Additionally, the right maintenance can significantly extend the water heater’s lifespan.

Learn more about the expert water heater care by reaching out to our team today.

FAQs About Water Heater Maintenance in Colorado

Over time, we’ve found that many Denver and Littleton residents have similar questions about water heater servicing.

What maintenance does a water heater need?

Depending on the water heater type, you’ll likely need to perform flushing and descaling once per year. You should also schedule a professional inspection each year. If you have a storage tank water heater, you should check the anode rod every three years.

How often should I flush my water heater?

In general, you need to flush your water heater every year. For hard water areas, flushing may need to be done twice per year.

What happens if you don’t maintain your water heater?

If you don’t maintain your water heater, you’ll need to perform more frequent repairs. For example, you may need to replace your anode rod or the heating element. If the water heater is malfunctioning, it can lead to higher energy costs, expensive repairs, and extensive water damage.

How long should a water heater last with proper maintenance?

When a tank water heater is properly cared for, it will typically last for 6 to 12 years. Tankless water heaters can easily last for more than 20 years.

Does water heater maintenance really save money?

Absolutely. For instance, sediment buildup from not flushing your tank can make the system work harder. Poor maintenance can lead to corrosion, faulty parts, and higher energy bills.

Ready to avoid expensive repairs and replacements? Elkhorn Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical got you covered. Schedule a professional water heater maintenance appointment to achieve better peace of mind and long-term savings.