Water Heater Maintenance: How to Extend the Life of Your Unit

Is your water heater quietly working overtime, keeping your showers hot and your dishes spotless? It’s one of those things you barely think about—until something goes wrong. But just like your car or your furnace, a water heater needs regular care to keep it running smoothly.

At Argos Plumbing, we know that a little prevention goes a long way. Let’s walk through how easy, seasonal upkeep can stretch your water heater’s lifespan, save you from chilly surprises, and keep big plumbing headaches at bay.

Why Maintenance Matters 🛠️

Think of your water heater like the heart of your home’s hot water system. When it’s happy, everything flows. But when ignored, mineral buildup, corrosion, and leaks can sneak in—cutting years off its life and causing water damage or high bills.

Routine water heater maintenance helps you:

• Avoid unexpected breakdowns
• Lower your energy use and costs
• Spot small leaks before they become floods
• Keep water clean, clear, and safe

According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), regular flushing and inspection can double your unit’s lifespan. That’s years of stress-free hot showers!

Seasonal Care Tasks

Each season brings its own checklist. Here’s a simple plan to keep your water heater—and your plumbing—running strong all year:

Spring & Fall

• Check for leaks: Look under and around the tank. Even a tiny drip can signal trouble.
• Test the pressure relief valve: Lift the lever gently. You should hear a short burst of air or water.
• Flush the tank: (see below for details) This reduces sediment buildup.
• Adjust the thermostat: Set it to 120°F for safety and energy savings.

Winter

• Insulate pipes: Especially in unheated spaces. This prevents freezing and heat loss.
• Look for rust: Any reddish stains on the tank or water? Call for help—this could be corrosion inside.

Summer

• Inspect for odors: If hot water smells foul, bacteria may be growing. Flush the tank or call a professional.
• Check water pressure: High pressure can damage your tank. Install or inspect a pressure-reducing valve if needed.

How to Flush a Water Heater

Flushing your heater is like giving it a deep clean. Sediment—think of it as gritty sand—settles at the bottom of your tank, hurting efficiency and wearing things out.

Here’s a safe step-by-step:

1. Turn off power: Electric? Switch off the breaker. Gas? Set to “pilot.”
2. Shut off the cold water supply.
3. Attach a garden hose: Connect it to the tank’s drain valve, aiming the other end outside or into a floor drain.
4. Open a hot water tap: This prevents vacuum lock.
5. Open the drain valve: Let water (and sediment) flow until clear.
6. Close the valve, remove the hose, and refill: Turn the water back on, then power up the heater.

Safety tips:

• The water will be hot! Use gloves and be careful.
• If you’re uneasy—don’t risk it. Call a pro.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends flushing once a year for most homes.

Warning Signs of Trouble ⚠️

Ignoring the following can turn a small fix into a big plumbing emergency:

• No hot water or water that’s only lukewarm
• Rumbling, popping, or banging noises from the tank
• Rusty or discolored water
• Water pooling around the base
• Bad smells from hot water taps

If any of these sound familiar, don’t wait. Your water heater is trying to get your attention.

When to Call a Pro

Some water heater issues are easy DIY fixes. Others are better left to licensed plumbers with the right tools and know-how.

Call Argos Plumbing if you notice:

• Water leaking from seams or valves
• Scorch marks or burn smells (especially with gas units)
• Repeated pilot light outages
• Electrical issues or tripped breakers
• Corrosion or rust on the tank

Remember, working with gas lines or high-voltage wiring can be dangerous. When in doubt, reach out.

Need a hand? Learn more about water heater repair services or water heater installation for all makes and models.

Preventative Advice from the Pros

Want to keep your water heater running strong for 10, 15, even 20 years? These habits pay off:

• Install a water filtration system if you have hard water—this cuts down on mineral buildup.
• Insulate your water heater tank and lines to save energy.
• Schedule annual plumbing checkups—catching small problems is always cheaper than an emergency call.
• Keep the area around your heater clear. Don’t store paint cans, rags, or anything flammable nearby.
• Backflow prevention devices can protect your whole home’s water quality.

Professional plumbers follow safety codes from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and state guidelines. If you’re not sure about a task, it’s always wise to call for help.

Keep Your Water Heater—and Plumbing—Happy

A little regular attention keeps your home’s hot water flowing and prevents costly surprises. If you need a trustworthy hand, Argos Plumbing is here for all your residential needs—from Kitchen Plumbing near you to leak detection and full water heater replacement.

Looking for a local specialist? Find Water Heater Repair near me in Fitchburg, Wisconsin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I flush my water heater?

Once a year is usually enough for most households. If your water is very hard, twice a year may be better.

My water heater is making noise. Is that bad?

Popping or rumbling often means sediment is building up. Flushing the tank usually helps, but if the noise returns quickly, call a plumber.

Can I turn the temperature up for hotter showers?

120°F is the recommended setting by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Higher temps can scald and wear out your unit faster.

What’s the average lifespan of a water heater?

Most last 8–12 years. Regular maintenance, like that from Argos Plumbing, can stretch that even further.

Seasonal Plumbing Reminders 🌦️

• Winter: Protect outdoor and garage pipes from freezing.
• Spring/Fall: Test sump pumps and inspect for leaks after heavy rain.
• Summer: Check for rising water pressure and unusual odors.

A healthy water heater is just the start of hassle-free home plumbing. For repairs, upgrades, or emergency service, Argos Plumbing is ready to help—no matter the season.

Call Argos Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  844-484-9980 .