Decor & Improvement Accessories
Getting a new water heater isn’t cheap, so you’ll want to keep it working well for as long as possible. I’ve put together this guide to walk you through the basic maintenance steps that any homeowner can handle. Follow these tips, and you’ll help your water heater run better and last longer.
Why Maintain Your Water Heater?
Before we jump into the how-to part, here’s what regular maintenance does for you:
- Saves money on your energy bills
- Helps prevent breakdowns
- Makes your water heater last longer
- Keeps your warranty valid
- Gives you hot water when you need it
Regular Maintenance Tasks You Can Do
1. Test the Pressure Relief Valve (Every 6 Months)
This is probably the most important safety check you can do. Here’s how:
- Find the valve on the side or top of your water heater
- Put a bucket under the discharge pipe
- Lift the valve’s lever halfway and let it snap back
- Listen for a gurgling sound as water flows into the bucket
If you don’t hear anything or the valve won’t snap back, you need a new one. Call a plumber for this – it’s not a DIY fix.
2. Flush the Tank (Once a Year)
This gets rid of sediment that makes your heater work harder than it needs to.
What you’ll need:
- A garden hose
- A bucket
- Work gloves
Steps:
- Turn off the power (electric) or gas
- Turn off the cold water supply
- Connect your hose to the drain valve
- Open a hot water faucet somewhere in the house
- Open the drain valve and let the tank empty
- Turn the cold water on and off a few times to stir up any leftover sediment
- Close everything up when the water runs clear
3. Check the Anode Rod (Every 2 Years)
This rod stops your tank from rusting. Checking it isn’t hard:
- Turn off the power and water
- Unscrew the hex head on top of the heater
- Pull the rod out
- Replace it if it’s:
- Less than 1/2 inch thick
- Covered in calcium
- Showing more than 6 inches of core wire
4. Set the Right Temperature (As Needed)
120°F is the sweet spot. It’s hot enough to kill bacteria but won’t scald anyone or waste energy. Just find the temperature dial on your heater and adjust it if needed.
5. Insulate Pipes and Tank (One-Time Job)
This is an easy way to save money on your bills:
- Buy pipe insulation sleeves and a water heater blanket
- Wrap exposed hot water pipes
- If your heater feels warm to touch, wrap it in the blanket
- Keep insulation away from the bottom of gas heaters and away from flues
6. Clear the Space Around Your Heater (Monthly)
This is super simple but important:
- Keep a 2-foot clear zone around the heater
- Remove dust and dirt
- Make sure nothing flammable is nearby
7. Look and Listen (Monthly)
Get to know how your water heater normally looks and sounds. Check for:
- Rust spots
- Water around the base
- Weird noises
- Changes in water color or smell
When to Call a Pro
Some things are better left to professionals:
- Installing a new pressure relief valve
- Fixing gas line issues
- Dealing with pilot light problems
- Major leaks
- Electrical issues
Maintenance Schedule
Here’s a simple schedule to follow:
Monthly:
- Clear the area around the heater
- Check for leaks or rust
- Listen for unusual sounds
Every 6 Months:
- Test the pressure relief valve
- Check temperature settings
Yearly:
- Flush the tank
- Check pipe insulation
Every 2 Years:
- Check/replace anode rod
- Have a pro inspection
Tips for Better Performance
- Don’t set the temperature too high
- Fix leaky faucets to prevent overwork
- Install a water softener if you have hard water
- Use hot water wisely
- Consider a timer for electric heaters
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your water heater isn’t complicated. Stick to this maintenance schedule, and you’ll likely get several extra years out of your heater. Plus, you’ll save money on your energy bills and avoid cold showers.
Remember: If you’re ever unsure about a maintenance task, it’s better to call a professional than risk damaging your heater or hurting yourself. Stay safe, and happy maintaining!