You don’t realize how much you rely on your water heater—until it stops working. Hot water is a comfort and necessity, from hot showers and clean laundry to sanitized dishes and germ-free hands. Regular maintenance helps you keep that comfort flowing, avoid costly repairs, and extend the life of your system.
Whether you have a traditional or modern tankless unit, these water heater maintenance tips will help you prevent breakdowns, improve energy efficiency, and protect your investment.
Understanding Your Water Heater
Before we get into the maintenance tasks, it helps to know which type of water heater you have:
- Tank Water Heater: Stores and heats a fixed volume of water (usually 40–80 gallons).
- Tankless Water Heater: Heats water on demand as it flows through, without storing it.
Each system has its own upkeep needs, but many basics overlap.
Key Components to Know:
- Tank or Heat Exchanger: Where water is stored or heated
- Heating Element or Burner: The heat source (electric or gas)
- Thermostat: Controls the water temperature
- Anode Rod (tank models): Prevents rust inside the tank
- Temperature Pressure Relief (TPR) Valve: Releases excess pressure
- Water Line & Air Filters (tankless only): Filters debris and helps airflow
Quick Daily or Monthly Visual Checks
You don’t need a toolbox for this. A simple monthly check can catch issues early:
- Look for puddles or rust around the base
- Check pipe connections for leaks or corrosion
- Make sure the TPR valve isn’t dripping
- Listen for rumbling or popping sounds (a sign of sediment buildup)
How to Flush Your Water Heater (Tank Models)
Sediment buildup is a major efficiency killer—especially in Arizona’s hard water. Flushing removes mineral deposits and helps your water heater run smoothly.
Step-by-Step Tank Flush:
- Turn Off Power or Gas
- Close the Cold Water Supply
- Connect a Garden Hose to the drain valve at the tank base
- Open the Drain Valve and flush until the water runs clear
- Close the Valve and refill the tank
- Restore Power once it’s full
Learn more: How often do water heaters need to be flushed?
Descaling a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless systems don’t store water but are still vulnerable to scale buildup—especially around the heat exchanger.
How to Descale:
- Turn off the Power and water to the unit
- Disconnect hot/cold lines and attach hoses to valves
- Pump white vinegar or descaler through the system for 45–60 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Reconnect everything and restart the system
How Often: Once a year minimum, more often with hard water.
Inspect and Replace the Anode Rod (Tank Models)
The anode rod sacrifices itself to protect your tank from rust. But once it’s mostly corroded, your tank is exposed.
Quick Check:
- Drain a few gallons from the tank
- Unscrew the rod from the top using a socket wrench
- Replace if it’s more than 6 inches eaten away
Regularly checking this component can significantly extend the lifespan of your water heater. Check every 2–3 years, or sooner if your water smells metallic.
Adjusting Your Temperature
High temperatures mean higher bills and a higher risk of burns. Many heaters default to 140°F, which is hotter than you need.
What to Do:
- Use a screwdriver to set your thermostat(s) to 120°F
- Run hot water at a faucet and confirm with a thermometer
This helps you save energy and reduce pressure-related wear on the tank or valves.
Test the TPR Valve
The temperature-pressure relief valve is a critical safety feature. It protects your tank from overheating or exploding.
How to Test It:
- Place a bucket under the discharge pipe
- Lift the valve lever briefly — hot water should rush out
- If it doesn’t release or continues dripping, replace it immediately
Taking these steps can help prevent costly water heater repairs down the line.
Insulate Pipes and the Tank
Insulating your system helps maintain temperature and reduces energy waste—especially during colder months.
What to Insulate:
- Tank jacket blanket for older units (newer ones are pre-insulated)
- Hot water pipes using foam sleeves
- Tankless units may not need insulation, but exposed pipes still benefit
Tankless-Only Maintenance Tasks
If you own a tankless water heater, here are some tasks specific to your system:
Clean the Water Line Filter
- Remove debris and mineral particles
- Check filter housing every 6–12 months
Clean the Air Intake Filter
- Gently brush or rinse away dust
- Let it dry before reinstalling
- Helps ensure consistent airflow and efficient combustion
Check the Heat Exchanger
- Look for corrosion or cracks
- Have it professionally inspected during annual service
Inspect Control Panel & Thermostat
- Verify consistent temperature
- Check circuit breakers or power indicators
When to Call a Pro
Some tasks are best left to licensed plumbers—especially if:
- Your heater is leaking, and you can’t locate the source
- The pressure valve is stuck open
- You smell gas or see electrical warning signs
- You’re unsure how to drain, flush, or descale your system
Professionals can also spot hidden issues like burner corrosion, exhaust blockages, or failing thermostats—keeping your system safe and efficient year-round.
Need Help With Maintenance or Repairs?
If you’d rather not take the DIY route—or want a second pair of eyes—our licensed plumbers are here to help. P&L Plumbing offers fast, reliable water heater maintenance for homes in Mesa, AZ, and surrounding areas.
Call us today at (480) 649-4400 to schedule a water heater inspection, repair, or tankless service. We also offer free consultations to help you stay proactive and informed.