No hot water, cold showers, and a surprise repair bill can throw off your entire day. Luckily, keeping your water heater in good condition is easier than you might think. Most people don’t think about their water heater, until it stops working, and when that happens, it’s usually at the worst possible time.
In this article, we will share some tips to maintain your water heater and keeping your system working properly without the stress.
What is water heater maintenance?
Water heater maintenance is a short list of things you or your plumber can do to help your unit last longer and work better. It’s not complicated, and it helps reduce repairs, improve water quality, and save on energy costs.
Whether you have a tank system or a tankless water heater, these steps will help you avoid bigger problems later on.
In Knoxville, we deal with hard water, which means your heater can collect mineral buildup. That buildup makes your system work harder and shortens its life.
Doing basic upkeep can help you avoid expensive replacements and keep hot water flowing when you need it most.
Here are some tips you can use in your water heater:
1. Set the right temperature
Your water heater should be set to 120°F. That’s warm enough for daily use and keeps the system from running too hot. It also helps cut down on mineral buildup inside the tank.
2. Watch for leaks or rust
Look around the bottom of your water heater. If you see any puddles, rust, or stains, that could mean trouble. Catching small issues early helps you avoid serious repairs.
3. Flush the tank once a year
Over time, minerals from the water settle at the bottom of your tank. This causes extra wear and reduces performance. Flushing once a year helps keep your heater working well. If it’s your first time, call us, we’re happy to help.
4. Test the pressure valve
This valve keeps your water heater from getting too much pressure. Pull the lever slightly to see if water comes out. If it doesn’t, it may need to be replaced.
5. Check the anode rod
This metal rod helps prevent rust inside your tank. It should be checked every 2–3 years. If it’s worn out, replacing it can help your system last much longer.
6. If you have a tankless heater: descale it
Tankless systems need to be cleaned out (descaled) once a year to remove minerals. Knoxville’s hard water makes this even more important.
When should you call a plumber to fix your water heater?
These problems need to be addressed with a professional:
- You have no hot water
- You hear banging or popping sounds from the heater
- The water looks rusty or has a strange smell
- There’s water pooling around the tank
Extra tip: Hard water requires extra care
If you live in Knoxville or nearby, your water likely has more minerals. This means build-up happens faster, and flushing or descaling your system is more important than in other areas. If your home is older or you’re not sure when your heater was last serviced, it’s a good time to reach out.
Taking care of your water heater doesn’t have to be difficult. A few simple steps each year can help you avoid problems, cut down on costs, and make sure you always have hot water when you need it.
Get to know more about water heater maintenance here.
Contact Hard Knox Plumbing!
We hope you liked these tips to maintain your water heater, however, if you need someone to check your water heater? Our team at Hard Knox Plumbing is here around the clock. From routine maintenance to emergency repairs, we’ll take care of it. We also offer payment plans to make things easier.
Call now or request a quote online, let’s keep your hot water running without the stress.