Water heater maintenance is what separates a unit that lasts from one that fails early. Sediment collects in the tank, the anode rod wears down, and the pressure relief valve quits working, usually without an obvious warning sign.
You rely on hot water for showers, dishes, and laundry every day. Routine service extends the life of your unit and cuts how often it needs repairs.
Titanium Plumbing & Heating has over 15 years of experience servicing gas, electric, and tankless water heaters. Our technicians are licensed, bonded, and insured, and they arrive in fully stocked service vans.
Key Points
- Flush a tank water heater at least once a year to clear sediment.
- Replace the anode rod about every five years so it keeps protecting the tank.
- Test the pressure relief valve yearly, because trapped pressure can cause an explosion.
- Tankless units need the intake filter cleaned and the heating chamber flushed once a year.
- Skipped service shortens the life of the unit and leads to leaks.
Standard Water Heater Maintenance: Three Yearly Tasks
Conventional water heaters store water in a tank and use gas or electricity to heat it. Our water heater maintenance specialists recommend three tasks to hold performance steady.
Flush the Tank
Sediment deposits build up inside the tank because of constant use. That buildup can rust through the tank and cause leaks. Flush the tank at least once a year.
Start by turning off both the power and the water supply. Release the valve and open the hot water tap, using a hose and bucket to drain and catch the water. Watch for the point where the water runs free of sediment, then turn the supply back on and flush until it runs clear.
Check the Anode Rod
Electric and gas water heaters both have an anode rod that attracts harsh minerals so the tank itself stays protected. Those minerals build up on the rod, so plan on replacing it about every five years.
A water softener installation reduces the mineral load reaching your tank in the first place.
Ensure the Pressure Relief Valve Works
Temperature changes build pressure inside the tank, and that pressure has to be released to prevent an explosion. Check the valve as part of your yearly service. Place a bucket beneath the discharge pipe and lift the lever.
Replace the valve if any of these happen:
- No water comes out when you lift the lever
- The valve leaks
- The lever does not open the valve
Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Still Matters
Tankless units avoid problems like a rusted-out tank, but they still need routine service. Our tankless water heater maintenance technicians recommend both of these at least once a year.
Clean the Intake Filter
Your tankless unit has an air intake filter that keeps debris out. Remove the faceplate, rinse the filter under water, and towel it dry. Our team handles this during a service visit if you would rather not.
Flush the Heating Chamber
Mineral deposits collect inside the heating chamber of a tankless unit. That buildup drags down efficiency and can make the unit produce odd, loud noises. Flush it with vinegar to clear the deposits.
If a flush does not quiet the unit, expert water heater repair finds what else is going on.
Your Water Heater Maintenance Schedule
Each task above runs on its own interval. Here is the full schedule in one place:
- Flush the tank: at least once a year
- Test the pressure relief valve: once a year
- Replace the anode rod: about every five years
- Clean the tankless intake filter: at least once a year
- Flush the tankless heating chamber: at least once a year
What a Multi-Point Inspection Covers
Titanium Plumbing & Heating services gas, electric, and tankless units. A routine visit includes a full inspection, and we confirm no sediment buildup or rust accumulation is left inside.
Efficiency losses show up on your bill. The U.S. Department of Energy lists water heating energy use as typically the second largest energy expense in a home.
Schedule Water Heater Maintenance With Titanium
Aging units fail at the worst possible time. If yours is past the point where service helps, we handle water heater replacement services as well.
For an upgrade, our tankless water heater installation team sizes the unit to your household.
Keep hot water running and your unit working longer. Schedule your appointment today and we will confirm your water heater is in prime working condition.