Ever had your hot water cut off right in the middle of a shower? Or while you’re halfway through cleaning a greasy pile of dishes? It’s frustrating, uncomfortable, and usually followed by that sinking feeling that you’ll need another expensive repair.
The truth is, most water heater problems don’t just show up out of nowhere. They build up slowly. Often, because the system hasn’t been maintained. The good news? A few simple habits can go a long way in keeping things running smoothly and avoiding big, expensive breakdowns later.
Let’s go over the basics of keeping your water heater in good shape, without overcomplicating it.
Keep the Temperature Steady
Your water heater doesn’t need constant adjusting. Set it to 120°F and leave it there. That’s warm enough for showers, laundry, and dishes without wasting energy or putting extra strain on the system.
Higher temperatures wear down your heater faster and increase the risk of scalding. They also lead to faster buildup of minerals, which hurts your unit’s performance over time. A steady, moderate setting keeps things safe, comfortable, and efficient.
Flush the Tank Every Year
If you haven’t flushed your water heater in the last year, chances are there’s a layer of mineral buildup sitting at the bottom of the tank. This is especially common if your home has hard water.
That buildup does more than just sit there; it clogs up your system, reduces efficiency, and leads to internal damage if ignored too long.
Flushing once a year helps remove that sediment before it causes problems. You can do it yourself if you’re comfortable with basic tasks. If not, it’s worth hiring a plumber to take care of it. Either way, don’t skip it.
Check the Pressure Relief Valve
That small valve near the top of your water heater? It plays a big role. It keeps pressure from building up too high in the tank. If it fails, the results can be dangerous.
You should check it a couple of times a year. Lift the lever gently to see if water and pressure are released, then let go to stop the flow. If nothing happens or it keeps leaking, the valve needs to be replaced.
It’s a small part, but it prevents big problems, so keep an eye on it.
Insulate the Tank and Pipes
If you have an older water heater, chances are it could benefit from insulation. Heat naturally escapes from the tank and pipes, especially in colder months. When that happens, your system has to work harder, and your energy bill reflects that.
Wrapping the tank in a water heater blanket helps it hold heat longer. Adding pipe insulation to the first few feet of hot and cold pipes can also make a difference.
Newer models often have built-in insulation, but it doesn’t hurt to double-check. Just be careful not to cover the thermostat or burner area.
Watch for Leaks or Rust
A small leak might not look like much, but it’s usually the first warning sign that your water heater is starting to fail. Corrosion around valves or puddles under the tank are red flags you shouldn’t ignore.
Make it a habit to check the tank once a month. Use a flashlight to inspect the base and joints. If you see rust streaks, crusty buildup, or water pooling nearby, call a plumber. It’s better to catch the problem early than wait for the tank to fail.
Replace the Anode Rod Before It’s Too Late
Inside your tank is a metal rod called the anode rod. It’s designed to attract corrosive minerals in the water, which helps protect the tank from rust. But once the rod wears out, the tank starts to corrode instead.
A worn-out rod can lead to leaks, strange smells, and a shortened system lifespan. That’s why checking it every few years is important. If it’s badly worn or down to less than half its size, it’s time to replace it.
This is a simple fix that can make your water heater last much longer.
Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance
Getting your water heater checked once a year is a smart move. Regular maintenance helps spot early wear, reduce breakdowns, and improve energy efficiency. But it’s important to know that not all maintenance services are the same.
Some appointments may include a full flush, inspection of the anode rod, thermostat testing, and checks for leaks or corrosion. Others might focus on only the basics or skip certain steps altogether. It really depends on the company, the service package, and even how much time the technician has.
To get the most out of your yearly checkup, ask what’s included before you book. If your system needs a flush or specific part check, mention it. A clear conversation upfront can prevent surprises later and make sure your water heater gets the care it needs.
Get the Best Water Heater Maintenance Service with Cornwell Plumbing
Annual maintenance is easy to skip, but it’s the one step that keeps your water heater running longer, safer, and more efficiently. If you’d rather not worry about flushing the tank or checking the anode rod, let our licensed plumbers handle it for you.
At Cornwell Plumbing, we provide comprehensive water heater solutions. From repairs to replacements to maintenance, we guarantee fast and reliable plumbing service that restores your unit’s peak efficiency. You can call us for same-day repair or schedule your maintenance plan so you won’t forget about it ever again.
Call us today, and let’s keep the hot water flowing uninterrupted!
Andrew and Austin Cornwell stepped into leadership, bringing with them not just their plumbing licenses and two decades of experience each, but a vision for even better customer service.
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