In this article…
- How To Maintain A Traditional Tank Water Heater: 6 Tips
- How To Maintain A Tankless Water Heater: 6 Tips
- When Do I Need to Call a Professional to Service My Water Heater?
- Is It Time For A Water Heater Replacement?
Is your water heater quickly aging and you want to extend its lifespan? Or have you recently replaced your water heater and want to know how to take care of it?
No matter the state or age of your water heater, understanding proper maintenance and care is crucial for a well-functioning water heater.
Just like with your car, lawn mower, or HVAC unit, routine care on your water heater is necessary to keep it running properly and keep hot water flowing through your home.
At Jim’s Plumbing Now, our team of expert licensed, journeyman, and master plumbers are here to provide you with the best products, services, and, most importantly, education about your project, from water heaters to whole-home repiping.
Understanding how the plumbing elements in your home work is the first step to knowing how to properly care for them, and we’re here to help.
The average lifespan of a water heater is 10 years, however, this age can be drastically shortened if it is not maintained or taken care of through the years.
This article will outline some of the top maintenance tips for both traditional tank and tankless water heaters for you to follow, whether you recently replaced your water heater or want to take better care of your current one.
Then, you’ll know what steps to take to care for your water heater, increase its lifespan, and improve its efficiency as well.
How To Maintain A Traditional Tank Water Heater: 6 Tips
Your water heater works hard every day to provide hot water for showers, washing dishes, and laundry. Proper maintenance can extend its lifespan, improve efficiency, and prevent costly repairs.
Here are five essential maintenance tips for traditional tank water heaters to follow to ensure your water heater is functioning properly.
1. Flush the Tank Annually
Over time, sediment and mineral buildup can reduce efficiency and even cause damage. Flushing the entire tank annually is recommended to remove the sedimentary buildup and keep parts clear.
Here’s how to flush your tank water heater yourself:
- Turn off the power supply (gas or electricity) and let the water cool.
- Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
- Open the valve and let the water drain into a safe area, like in the yard.
- Close the valve, remove the hose, and refill the tank before turning the power back on.
You may want to consider flushing more frequently if you have hard water to prevent excessive sediment buildup. Water heater flushes can also be done professionally, but if you feel confident doing it yourself, it can save you on costs.
2. Check the Anode Rod
The anode rod prevents rust inside the tank, but it does wear down over time because it takes on the rust and corrosion itself.
If the anode rod is deteriorated and not prevent rust in your water tank, rust can then occur in your water heater and contaminate your hot water.
- Locate the anode rod on top of the tank.
- Unscrew and inspect it—if it’s heavily corroded, replace it.
A new anode rod can significantly extend the life of your water heater. Check the anode rod every 2-3 years, or sooner in areas with hard water.
3. Test the Temperature & Pressure Relief (T&P) Valve
The T&P valve is a crucial safety feature that prevents pressure buildup. It releases water if the pressure or temperature inside the tank gets too high, preventing dangerous explosions.
To check and replace the T&P valve, follow these steps:
- Lift the lever slightly to release water.
- If no water comes out or it doesn’t close properly, replace it immediately.
- Perform this test every six months to ensure proper function.
4. Insulate the Tank & Pipes
Adding insulation can help your water heater retain heat and improve efficiency, especially during the colder months of the year.
Here are some tips to help insulate your water heater:
- Use a water heater insulation blanket around the tank.
- Insulate exposed hot water pipes to reduce heat loss and improve performance.
- Ensure insulation does not cover the thermostat, burner, or pressure relief valve.
5. Keep it at the Right Temperature
Keeping your water heater at an optimal temperature improves safety and energy efficiency.
- The recommended setting for a water heater thermostat is 120°F (49°C) to prevent scalding and reduce energy consumption.
- Adjust the thermostat on your unit if needed.
Setting it higher than necessary can increase energy costs and risk of burns. Ensuring your water heater is set at the right temperature will improve its efficiency and protect you and your family from water that is too hot.
6. Regularly Inpsect and Check for Leaks
Regularly inspection of your water heater is one of the easiest and most affective maintenance tasks you can take on. If there are any leaks coming from your water heater, they can cause serious damage if not addressed quickly.
- Inspect the base of the water heater for signs of water pooling.
- Check around connections, valves, and pipes for drips or corrosion.
- If you notice leaks, tighten fittings or replace parts as needed.
Any major leaks must be addressed by a professional plumber immediately, or else you risk damaging your home and your plumbing.
How To Maintain A Tankless Water Heater: 6 Tips
Traditional tank and tankless water heaters work differently to provide you with hot water when you need it.
A tank water heater stores and continuously heats a set amount of water in a large tank, keeping it ready for use, while a tankless water heater heats water on demand as it flows through the unit, providing endless hot water without the need for storage.
Tankless water heaters require some different maintenance to keep them running smoothly, which we’ll outline here.
1. Descale the System
Mineral buildup can clog a tankless water heater’s heat exchanger, reducing efficiency, just like with traditional tank water heaters.
While you can’t flush a tankless water heater, you can descale the system following these steps:
- Turn off the power and gas supply.
- Attach hoses to the service valves and use a descaling solution or white vinegar to flush the system.
- Let it circulate for about 45 minutes before rinsing with clean water.
Descaling is recommended at least once a year, or more frequently if you have hard water.
2. Clean the Inlet Filter
Most tankless water heaters have a small filter to catch debris, similar to the filters in your HVAC system, so they must be regularly cleaned and cleared to keep your water heater running properly.
- First, turn off your water supply, then locate the filter, usually at the bottom of the unit.
- Remove it, rinse it thoroughly, and reinstall it.
You should clean this filter every few months to prevent blockages and ensure proper water flow.
3. Check for Proper Ventilation
Tankless water heaters require proper airflow to function safely. Blocked vents can cause overheating, carbon monoxide buildup, and reduced efficiency.
- Inspect the venting system for blockages, dust, or debris.
- Ensure there are no obstructions near the intake or exhaust vents.
- Blocked vents can cause overheating or dangerous gas buildup.
- If your unit is gas-powered, confirm that the exhaust system is venting outside properly and that there are no leaks.
If you notice unusual smells or suspect ventilation issues, turn off the unit and contact a professional immediately.
4. Inspect the Gas Line & Connections
Leaks in the gas line can be dangerous and cause performance issues.
- Regularly check for gas odors around the unit.
- If you suspect a leak, turn off the gas and call a professional immediately.
- Look for corrosion or wear on gas line connections and fittings.
If your unit has a pilot light, make sure it stays lit and burns a steady blue flame; a yellow or flickering flame may indicate a problem.
5. Check for Error Codes & System Updates
Modern tankless water heaters often have digital displays that show error codes if something is wrong. Regularly checking your tankless water heater for error codes will ensure you keep things flowing and can address problems quickly.
- Refer to your user manual to troubleshoot minor issues.
- Ensure the system firmware is up to date for optimal performance.
- Some models allow you to reset error codes; however, persistent issues require a professional inspection.
6. Ensure Proper Water Pressure
Tankless systems work best with stable water pressure.
- Check the system’s water pressure gauge (typically 40-80 psi).
- If the pressure is too high, install a pressure regulator.
- Excessively high pressure can strain the system and cause malfunctions.
Regularly check household water pressure and ensure your plumbing system is not restricting flow to the water heater. If the water pressure is too low, there may be a clog in the inlet that must be cleared.
When Do I Need to Call a Professional to Service My Water Heater?
Even with regular maintenance, some water heater issues require the expertise of a licensed plumber, and you may need a full water heater replacement.
You should call a professional plumber if you notice any of these symptoms.
- No Hot Water: This could indicate a failed heating element, a gas supply issue, or a more significant problem that requires professional repair or a replacement.
- Strange Noises: Popping or rumbling sounds in a tank water heater may indicate severe sediment buildup that must be cleared by a professional.
- Leaks or Rusty Water: Water pooling around the heater or rust-colored water can signal internal corrosion, which may need to be flushed out, cleaned, or replaced.
- Fluctuating Water Temperatures: Inconsistent water temperature could be due to a faulty thermostat or other internal issues.
- Error Codes on a Tankless System: If your tankless water heater displays an error code, consult your manual and call a plumber if you can’t figure it out.
- Low Water Pressure: A sudden drop in pressure could indicate a clog, leak, or scaling issue in the pipes.
Overall, if you’re experiencing consistent water heater issues and aren’t sure what to do about them, calling a professional plumbing company is the best course of action.
Looking for the right plumber for you? Check out this article that details 13 qualities to look for in a trustworthy plumber!
Is It Time For A Water Heater Replacement?
Now that you know how to properly maintain your tankless and traditional tank water heater and when you need to hire a professional for maintenance, you can ensure your water heater is cared for to run efficiently and last for years.
Routine maintenance is key to keeping your water heater in top shape. Flushing, descaling, and inspecting critical components can extend the life of your system and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
However, sometimes, maintenance should be done by a professional.
If you notice discoloration in your water, suspicious leaks around the water heater tank, or error codes you aren’t sure how to troubleshoot, calling in a trustworthy plumber to provide you with the proper solution is best.
If you’ve been routinely maintaining your water heater but continue to experience problem after problem, it may be time for a replacement.
But before you call out a plumbing company to inspect your current water heater and provide you with a quote, you want to know if it’s truly time for a full water heater replacement and if it will be worth it for you.
Check out this article that details six signs it’s time to replace your water heater, like constant repairs, old age, and more.
Looking To Upgrade Your Water Heater?
Sometimes, you’re just ready for an upgrade, whether your water heater has been giving you issues for some time now or if you want to look into tankless versus traditional tank water heaters.
No matter your water heater issue, Jim’s Plumbing Now is here to help.
