Your water heater works tirelessly behind the scenes, providing hot water for showers, dishes, laundry, and countless other daily tasks. Yet, like any hardworking appliance, it needs regular attention to maintain peak performance and efficiency. Proper water heater maintenance can extend its lifespan, reduce energy costs, and prevent unexpected breakdowns that leave you in the cold.

At Denos Plumbing Sewer and Drain Cleaning, we’ve helped countless homeowners and businesses across Nevada and California keep their water heaters running smoothly. Whether you need residential plumbing services or commercial plumbing solutions, understanding water heater maintenance is essential for every property owner.

Why Water Heater Maintenance Matters

Regular maintenance isn’t just about keeping hot water flowing. It’s about protecting your investment, ensuring safety, and maximizing efficiency. A well-maintained water heater can last 10-15 years or more, while a neglected one might fail in half that time. Additionally, sediment buildup and corroded components force your system to work harder, driving up energy bills by 25% or more.

Essential Water Heater Maintenance Tasks

1. Flush Your Tank Annually

Sediment and mineral deposits settle at the bottom of your water heater tank over time, especially in areas with hard water. This buildup reduces efficiency, decreases capacity, and can cause premature tank failure.

How to flush your water heater:

• Turn off the power supply (circuit breaker for electric units, gas valve for gas units)

• Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the tank’s bottom

• Run the hose to a floor drain or outside

• Open the drain valve and let the water flow until it runs clear

• Close the valve, remove the hose, and restore power

If you’re uncomfortable performing this task or notice significant sediment, our water heater specialists can handle it professionally during a maintenance visit.

 

2. Test the Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve

The T&P relief valve is a critical safety feature that prevents dangerous pressure buildup. Testing it annually ensures it’s functioning properly.

Testing procedure:

• Place a bucket under the discharge pipe

• Lift the valve’s lever slightly and let it snap back

• Water should flow freely and stop when you release the lever

• If water continues dripping or nothing flows, the valve needs replacement

3. Check and Adjust the Temperature Setting

Your water heater’s thermostat should typically be set between 120°F and 140°F. Settings above 140°F waste energy and increase scalding risk, while temperatures below 120°F may not kill harmful bacteria.

For electric water heaters, you’ll need to remove the access panel to adjust the thermostat. Gas water heaters usually have an external dial. If you need assistance with temperature adjustment or suspect thermostat issues, contact our professional plumbing contractors for help.

4. Inspect the Anode Rod Every 2-3 Years

The anode rod is your water heater’s unsung hero. This sacrificial component attracts corrosive elements that would otherwise attack the tank itself. Once the rod deteriorates completely, your tank becomes vulnerable to rust and leaks.

Signs your anode rod needs replacement:

• The rod is less than 1/2 inch thick

• More than 6 inches of core wire is exposed

• The rod is coated with calcium deposits

Replacing the anode rod is a straightforward task for experienced plumbers but can be challenging for homeowners due to corroded connections and tight spaces.

5. Insulate Your Water Heater and Pipes

Adding insulation to your water heater tank and hot water pipes reduces heat loss, especially if your unit is located in an unheated space like a garage or basement. This simple upgrade can reduce standby heat loss by 25-45% and save 4-9% on water heating costs.

Use a water heater insulation blanket designed for your fuel type, and wrap exposed hot water pipes with foam pipe insulation. Be careful not to block the thermostat, burner, or top of gas water heaters.

6. Clear the Area Around Your Water Heater

Maintaining proper clearance around your water heater improves safety and efficiency. Remove any flammable materials, cleaning supplies, or storage boxes from the immediate area. Gas water heaters need proper ventilation, so never block air vents or flues.

This is especially important for commercial plumbing systems, where building codes require specific clearances and accessibility for maintenance.

7. Listen and Look for Warning Signs

Your water heater communicates problems through various signs:

• Rumbling or popping noises: Indicates sediment buildup

• Rust-colored water: Suggests internal corrosion

• Water pooling around the base: Points to a leak

• Fluctuating water temperature: May indicate a failing heating element or thermostat

• Reduced hot water supply: Could signal sediment accumulation or a failing unit

If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t wait for a complete failure. Our sewer and drain specialists can diagnose and resolve issues before they become emergencies.

Tankless Water Heater Maintenance

Tankless water heaters require different maintenance approaches. These units need annual descaling to prevent mineral buildup in the heat exchanger, which can reduce efficiency and damage the unit.

Tankless maintenance includes:

• Flushing with white vinegar or descaling solution

• Cleaning the inlet filter screen

• Checking venting systems

• Inspecting for error codes

Because tankless systems are more complex, professional maintenance is highly recommended. Our water heater experts have the specialized tools and knowledge to service all tankless models properly.

When to Call a Professional

While some maintenance tasks are DIY-friendly, others require professional expertise:

• Anode rod replacement on corroded connections

• Heating element replacement

• Gas line work or burner adjustments

• Pressure relief valve replacement

• Diagnosing unusual noises or performance issues

• Pre-purchase inspections for older units

Regular professional inspections catch problems early and ensure your system meets current safety codes. At Denos Plumbing, our technicians provide comprehensive water heater evaluations, identifying potential issues before they disrupt your daily routine.

Create a Maintenance Schedule

Consistency is key to water heater longevity. Create a simple maintenance schedule:

Annually:

• Flush the tank

• Test the T&P relief valve

• Inspect the anode rod (every 2-3 years)

• Check temperature settings

• Schedule professional inspection

Monthly:

• Check for leaks or moisture around the unit

• Listen for unusual noises

• Test hot water temperature and pressure

As Needed:

• Clear the surrounding area

• Add insulation

• Address warning signs immediately

The Cost of Neglect

Skipping water heater maintenance might save time in the short term, but it costs significantly more in the long run. A replacement water heater for a typical home costs $1,200-$3,500 installed, while annual maintenance runs $100-$200. Additionally, neglected units waste hundreds of dollars annually through reduced efficiency.

Emergency repairs also cost more than scheduled maintenance. Weekend or after-hours service calls come with premium rates, and water damage from a failed tank can cost thousands in repairs to floors, walls, and belongings.

Professional Maintenance with Denos Plumbing

When you need expert water heater maintenance, repair, or replacement, Denos Plumbing Sewer and Drain Cleaning delivers reliable service throughout Nevada and California. Our licensed technicians bring years of experience, ensuring your water heating system operates safely and efficiently.

We serve both residential and commercial clients, offering:

• Comprehensive water heater inspections

• Tank and tankless maintenance

• Emergency repair services

• Energy-efficiency upgrades

• New water heater installation

• Same-day service availability

Whether you need routine residential plumbing maintenance or comprehensive commercial plumbing services, our team has you covered.

Conclusion

Your water heater deserves regular attention to deliver the reliable performance you expect. By following these maintenance guidelines and partnering with professional plumbers for annual inspections, you’ll extend your unit’s lifespan, reduce energy costs, and avoid inconvenient breakdowns.

Don’t wait until you’re facing a cold shower emergency. Contact Denos Plumbing Sewer and Drain Cleaning today to schedule your water heater maintenance appointment. Our expert technicians will ensure your system runs at peak performance, giving you peace of mind and hot water whenever you need it.

Ready to schedule your water heater maintenance? Call Denos Plumbing or visit our website to book an appointment with Nevada and California’s trusted plumbing professionals.