5 Essential Water Heater Maintenance Tips
Your water heater works hard every day to provide hot water for your home. Regular maintenance can extend its lifespan, improve efficiency, and prevent costly breakdowns.
1. Flush Your Water Heater Annually
Over time, sediment builds up in your water heater tank, reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage. Flushing your water heater once a year removes this sediment and helps your unit operate more efficiently.
To flush your water heater:
- Turn off the power or gas supply
- Turn off the cold water intake
- Connect a garden hose to the drain valve
- Drain the tank completely
- Turn the cold water intake back on briefly to stir up remaining sediment
- Continue draining until the water runs clear
2. Check the Pressure Relief Valve
The temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve) is a critical safety feature that releases pressure if the water heater gets too hot or pressure builds too high. Test this valve once or twice a year by:
- Placing a bucket under the discharge pipe
- Lifting the valve's lever partway and releasing it
- Confirming water flows out and stops when you release the lever
If the valve doesn't release water or continues to leak after testing, it needs replacement.
3. Inspect the Anode Rod
The anode rod attracts corrosive elements in the water, protecting your tank from rust. Inspect it every 2-3 years and replace it when it's significantly corroded (more than 6 inches exposed or covered in calcium).
4. Adjust the Temperature Setting
Setting your water heater at 120°F provides hot water while preventing scalding and reducing energy costs. Every 10 degrees you lower the temperature can save 3-5% on water heating costs.
5. Insulate Your Water Heater and Pipes
Adding an insulating blanket to your water heater and insulating the first 6 feet of hot water pipes can reduce heat loss and lower energy costs by 7-16%.
When to Call a Professional
While these maintenance tasks can help extend the life of your water heater, some signs indicate you need professional assistance:
- Rusty or discolored water
- Strange noises (popping, cracking, banging)
- Water leaking around the base of the heater
- Inconsistent water temperature
- Significant decrease in hot water capacity
Need professional water heater maintenance or repairs? Contact Yuba City Plumbing Pro at 530-434-5604 for expert service you can trust.
