There’s nothing like stepping into a hot shower—especially on a cold morning or after a long day. But that hot water depends on a water heater that’s working right. Just like any other appliance, your water heater needs regular maintenance to perform at its best and avoid costly repairs.
In this guide we’ll cover why water heater maintenance is important, what it involves, how often to do it and when to call a pro. Whether you have a traditional tank-style heater or a modern tankless system, a little TLC goes a long way to keep those showers hot all year.
Why Water Heater Maintenance Matters
A water heater is one of the most used appliances in your home. It supports everything from dishwashing and laundry to cooking and bathing. Yet it’s easy to overlook—until it stops working.
Regular maintenance helps you:
- Avoid unexpected breakdowns
- Extend the life of your system
- Improve energy efficiency
- Reduce monthly bills
- Get consistent water temperature
- Prevent sediment buildup and corrosion
By catching issues early and keeping your system clean and tuned you can avoid cold showers and emergency repairs.
Common Water Heater Types and Their Needs
Tank Water Heaters
These are the most common and store hot water in a large tank. Over time minerals from hard water can settle at the bottom of the tank and cause sediment buildup that reduces efficiency and wears it out.
Tankless Water Heaters
These heat water on demand and are more energy efficient overall. But they still need maintenance—especially flushing—to prevent scale from building up in the internal heating elements.
Regardless of type both systems benefit from a maintenance plan.
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Attention
Even without opening up the unit you can tell if your system needs servicing:
- Inconsistent water temperature
- Longer than usual wait times for hot water
- Unusual noises like popping or rumbling
- Discolored or rusty water
- Water that smells metallic or unpleasant
- Visible leaks or moisture around the base of the heater
If you notice any of these signs it’s time to take action—either with a maintenance check or a call to your local plumber.
What You Can DoHere’s what you can do to keep your water heater running efficiently.
1. Flush the Tank (for Storage Water Heaters)
Once or twice a year drain a few gallons from the tank to remove sediment buildup. This improves heating efficiency and reduces wear on the heating element.
How:
- Turn off power or gas to the heater
- Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom
- Drain the tank until the water runs clear
- Close the valve, remove the hose and restart the unit
2. Check the Anode Rod
The anode rod helps prevent rust by attracting corrosive elements in the water. Check every couple of years and replace if heavily corroded.
If the rod is worn out your tank is more likely to rust and leak.
3. Inspect the Pressure Relief Valve
This valve prevents the tank from over-pressurizing. To test:
- Place a bucket under the valve
- Lift the valve’s lever briefly and release
- You should hear water flow and stop cleanly
If the valve doesn’t release water or continues to drip it should be replaced.
4. Insulate the Tank and Pipes
Adding insulation reduces standby heat loss and makes your system more efficient—especially in colder months. Wrap your tank in an insulating blanket and cover exposed hot water pipes with foam sleeves.
5. Clean or Replace the Filter (for Tankless Systems)
Tankless water heater units have an inlet filter to trap debris. Check and clean this filter every 6–12 months depending on your water quality.
How Often Should You Service Your Water Heater?
Here’s a general schedule:
- Every 6–12 months: Drain tank and remove sediment
- Every 1–2 years: Inspect the anode rod
- Annually: Test pressure relief valve
- Annually: Full system inspection by a pro
Homes with hard water or heavy usage may require more frequent maintenance.
When to Call a Pro
Some tasks can be DIY but others are best left to certified techs. Call a pro if:
- You notice leaks or rust around the tank
- There’s no hot water despite resetting the system
- Your water heater is more than 8–10 years old
- Flushing or draining doesn’t improve performance
- You suspect electrical or gas related issuesA licensed plumber can do repairs, flush the system and check components like thermostats and gas lines that aren’t accessible.
Replacing an Old Unit
Even with proper care water heaters don’t last forever. Here’s what to know when it’s time to replace:
- Tank units: 8–12 years
- Tankless units: 20 years with good maintenance
If you’re doing frequent repairs or seeing rising energy bills investing in a new, more efficient model could save you money in the long run.
Energy Saving Tips for Hot Water Use
In addition to maintenance you can reduce wear on your system and lower your bills with these habits:
- Lower your water heater temperature to 120°F
- Use low-flow showerheads and faucets
- Wash clothes in cold or warm water instead of hot
- Fix leaky faucets promptly
- Only run dishwashers and laundry machines with full loads
These small changes reduce the demand on your water heater while maintaining comfort and performance.
Conclusion
Water heater maintenance isn’t just about your investment—it’s about you and your family having hot water year-round. Whether you do a few tasks yourself or schedule an annual checkup with a pro the result is peace of mind and fewer surprises down the road.
If it’s been a while since your last inspection or you’ve noticed signs of trouble don’t wait until your next cold shower to act. Contact a trusted plumber in your area today.