Most homeowners don’t think about their water heater until it stops working, but regular care can prevent costly repairs and extend its lifespan. A properly maintained water heater can save you up to 15% on energy costs while preventing damage and extending its life by several years.
Whether you have a traditional tank or tankless water heater, basic maintenance is simple enough for most homeowners to handle. We’ll show you the essential steps to keep your water heater running efficiently, from testing the pressure relief valve to flushing out sediment buildup that can reduce performance.
Understanding Your Water Heater
A water heater has several key parts that heat and store water. Different types of water heaters use various heating methods to supply hot water to your home.
Components of a Water Heater
- The tank consists of a heavy metal shell with a waterproof lining.
- Inside the tank, is the heating element – either electric or gas-powered – which heats the water.
- The anode rod is a metal rod that prevents tank corrosion. It attracts corrosive elements in the water, protecting the tank’s inner lining.
- A thermostat controls the water temperature, typically set between 120-140°F for safety and efficiency.
- The pressure relief valve stops dangerous pressure buildup in the tank.
- The dip tube brings cold water to the tank bottom for heating.
- Gas heaters have a venting system that removes combustion gases safely from your home.
Types of Water Heaters
Traditional Tank Heaters
- Store 30-80 gallons of hot water
- Available in gas or electric models
- Most common in American homes
Tankless Water Heaters
- Heat water on demand
- Save energy by not storing hot water
- Take up less space than tank models
Heat Pump Water Heaters
- Use surrounding air to heat water
- Very energy efficient
- Work best in warm spaces
Each type needs different maintenance, but all require regular checks to work properly.
Regular Maintenance Tasks
Regular water heater maintenance keeps your unit running efficiently and helps prevent costly repairs. These simple tasks can extend your water heater’s life by many years when done correctly.
Checking and Replacing the Anode Rod
The anode rod protects your water heater tank from rust and corrosion, and we recommend checking it every year. To check the anode rod, turn off the power and water supply, then locate the hex head at the top of the tank and unscrew it to remove the rod.
Replace the rod if it’s covered in calcium, less than 1/2 inch thick, or if the steel core wire is visible. A new anode rod costs $20-40 at most hardware stores. Make sure to wrap the threads with plumber’s tape before reinstalling the new rod to prevent leaks.
Testing the Pressure Relief Valve
The Temperature and Pressure Relief (TPR) valve is a critical safety device and you need to test it twice annually. Place a bucket under the valve’s discharge pipe. Lift the valve’s lever halfway and let it snap back down. You should hear a gurgling sound as water flows out. If no water comes out or it keeps flowing after releasing the lever, you need a new TPR valve. Call a plumber for replacement.
Flushing to Remove Sediment
Sediment buildup reduces efficiency and can damage your tank, as mineral deposits can cause elements to fail prematurely.. We suggest flushing every 6-12 months.
Steps to flush the tank:
- Turn off power and cold water supply
- Connect a garden hose to the drain valve
- Open the valve and let water flow until clear
- Close the valve and remove the hose
- Let the tank refill completely
- Turn water and power back on
Insulating Your Water Heater
Adding insulation helps reduce heat loss and saves energy, especially in colder locations. Wrap the tank with a water heater blanket rated R-11 or higher, keeping the blanket away from the TPR valve, controls, and burner area.
Insulate the first 6 feet of hot and cold pipes connected to your tank, use foam pipe sleeves and secure them with zip ties or tape. Don’t cover the pressure relief valve or block air flow to gas heaters, and leave space around the bottom for proper ventilation.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Water heater problems can often be fixed with simple troubleshooting steps and basic tools.
Identifying and Fixing Leaks
Leaks typically appear at connection points, valves, or the tank itself, so check all pipe connections and tighten any loose fittings with a wrench. Look for puddles or water stains around the base of your tank. A leaking pressure relief valve might need replacement if it drips constantly.
Common leak locations to inspect:
- Tank bottom
- Water inlet/outlet connections
- Temperature and pressure relief valve
- Drain valve
If you spot rust or corrosion on the tank, this often means it needs replacement soon.
Addressing Heating Element Failure
Electric water heaters use heating elements that can burn out over time, and a failed element usually means no hot water or not enough hot water. Test the elements with a multimeter to check for continuity. No reading means the element needs replacement.
Signs of element failure:
- Limited hot water
- Cold water only
- Long heating times
- Strange noises
Solving Gas Water Heater Problems
A pilot light that won’t stay lit is a common gas heater issue. Yellow or weak pilot flames indicate the need for cleaning or adjustment. A strong pilot light should be steady and blue. Clean the pilot opening with compressed air if it looks dirty, and check the thermocouple if the pilot light goes out frequently. This safety device might need adjustment or replacement.
Gas heater troubleshooting steps:
- Verify gas supply is on
- Clean pilot light assembly
- Inspect thermocouple position
- Test gas control valve
Improving Energy Efficiency
Small changes to your water heater setup and usage habits can cut energy costs by 10-30% while maintaining reliable hot water.
Optimizing Water Heater Temperature
Set your water heater temperature to 120°F (49°C) for optimal efficiency and safety, as most factory settings are too high at 140°F, wasting energy. Wrapping your water heater tank with an insulation blanket reduces heat loss, and this $30 investment can save up to 10% on heating costs. Install pipe insulation on exposed hot water lines, too. Foam sleeves cost just a few dollars per foot and help water stay hot longer.
Considering Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless heaters warm water on demand instead of storing it, using 30% less energy than traditional tanks. The upfront cost is higher, but tankless units last 20+ years compared to 10-15 years for tank models. We recommend tankless heaters for homes that use less than 40 gallons of hot water daily, they work best in smaller households.
Adopting Energy-Saving Habits
- Fix leaky faucets promptly – one drip per second wastes 500 gallons yearly.
- Use cold water for laundry when possible. Modern detergents work well in colder temperatures.
- Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full. This maximizes hot water efficiency.
- Schedule hot water use wisely. Avoid running multiple hot water appliances at once.
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to reduce hot water consumption while maintaining good pressure.
Get in touch to discuss your water heater needs or to arrange your next inspection to keep your current system running smoothly.
