Water Heater Maintenance, Repair & Replacement
Your water heater provides hot water throughout your home every day. Routine maintenance keeps it running efficiently, extends its lifespan, and prevents costly emergency repairs. Here's everything you need to know.
Choosing & Maintaining the Right Water Heater
Property owners must install a water heater in their homes to get adequate hot water when they need it. The type of water heater defines what maintenance steps are required to maintain the appliance. Property owners have a choice between a tank or tankless water heater.
Plumbing specialists provide information about water heaters and present the homeowners with a full price list for all water heaters that could accommodate their hot water demand. The plumber will also explain what maintenance steps are necessary for the water heater, and they review the instructions outlined in the product warranty. The warranty provides the property owner with protection for their new appliance and replaces it if it becomes faulty before the end of the warranty term.
Essential Water Heater Maintenance Steps
Regular maintenance performed by a professional plumber protects your investment and ensures your water heater operates at peak efficiency. Here are the key maintenance tasks our team performs.
Adjusting the Temperature
Set to Manufacturer's Recommended LevelWhen maintaining a water heater, the plumber will review the temperature setting for the appliance and ensure that it is set to the manufacturer's recommended temperature setting.
If the temperature is set too high, water will boil out of the top of the water heater, and it will flow all over the flooring. If the property owner notices a minor water leak, they should set up plumbing repairs to manage the temperature and correct any damage.
Draining Out Sediment
Prevent Rust & Permanent Tank DamageWhen performing water heater maintenance, the plumbers will drain out the appliance and allow the sediment in the bottom of the tank to drain out, too. If they do not remove the sediment, it could damage the tank and allow rust to form.
The sediment is minerals that have traveled in with the water through the water pipes, and it can increase the risk of permanent damage. If the tank becomes damaged, the property owner will need to set up a new installation to replace their existing water heater.
⚠️ Sediment Buildup Is a Silent Threat
Mineral sediment accumulates over time and can go unnoticed until it causes rust, reduced efficiency, or tank failure. Annual draining is the most effective way to prevent this damage and extend the life of your water heater.
Insulate the Pipes
Prevent Freezing & Maintain Hot Water FlowBy inspecting the insulation around the pipes, the plumbers will determine if the water pipes connected to the water heater are protected adequately.
If the water pipes are not insulated, they could freeze up and the water heater will not provide adequate hot water for the property owner and their family. Frozen pipes could also lead to damaged water pipes and increased costs for the property owner.
Check Insulation for the Heater
Protect Against Dropping TemperaturesThe heater must be insulated, too, to prevent it from freezing as the temperatures drop. It is necessary to assess the insulation and ensure that it is protected against dropping temperatures.
The water heater must produce enough hot water for the property owner, and an assessment of the heater determines if it is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Relieving Pressure Inside the Tank
Prevent Ruptures & CrackingThe pressure inside the tank could present some issues such as tank damage, and the property owner must set up routine maintenance to relieve the pressure inside the tank. Too much pressure could allow the tank to crack and become too damaged.
The plumbers will review the pressure levels inside the tank and use the pressure release valve to decrease the risk of ruptures and cracking. If the property owner believes there is a pressure issue, they can contact their preferred plumber to evaluate the water heater promptly.
- Water leaking from the pressure relief valve or around the tank base
- Unusual noises such as popping, banging, or rumbling from the tank
- Hot water temperature fluctuations that seem inconsistent or extreme
- Visible bulging or warping on the tank's exterior surface
Schedule an Annual Inspection
At Least Once a Year — At Little to No CostProperty owners should set up an inspection at least once a year to determine if there are any existing problems with the water heater. The inspection shows the plumber if the water heater is performing as expected, or if it is time to replace the appliance altogether.
The inspections are available at little to no cost for the property owner, and the plumbers will give them a complete estimate for any replacement systems and services the property owner needs. They can provide details about a variety of water heater models that will provide adequate hot water for the property owner and their family.
💡 Warranty Protection
When buying a brand-new water heater, the property owner receives a full product warranty that covers the installation and its major components. Your plumber will review the warranty instructions during installation so you know exactly what's covered and for how long.
Watch for Rust in Your Water
If you notice that there is any rust in your sink or tubs, you must contact your service provider quickly. It could indicate that the water heater is no longer viable, or there is a serious problem with the plumbing system.
⚠️ Rust in the Water Is a Serious Warning
Rust-colored water flowing from your taps means something is wrong. Don't ignore it. It could indicate that sediment has damaged the tank interior, that internal components are corroding, or that there's a broader issue with your plumbing system. Contact a plumber immediately for an assessment.
Tank vs. Tankless: Choosing Your Next Water Heater
If the water heater is no longer viable, the property owner needs to determine what product is right for their home. These decisions start with either a tanked or tankless water heater installation, and the plumbers can explain all the great benefits of each product.
Tankless Water Heater
Compact, On-Demand Hot WaterA tankless water heater is installed in a small cabinet or on the wall in the basement. It will not take up a lot of room, and the water heater heats the water as it flows through the water pipes — providing hot water on demand without storing it in a tank.
Compact Size
Mounts on a wall or fits in a small cabinet — saves significant floor space.
On-Demand Heating
Heats water as it flows through the pipes — no waiting for a tank to fill.
Tank Water Heater
Traditional, High-Capacity StorageWith a tanked water heater, the tank will fill according to its size, and it could take longer for the property owner to get hot water. It is often installed in the basement or inside a small closet.
Storage Capacity
Stores a large volume of hot water, ready for use across multiple fixtures.
Traditional Design
Well-established technology — installed in basements or utility closets.
Water Heater Maintenance — At a Glance
Water Heater Maintenance & Installation.
LaVergne's Plumbing provides residential property owners in northwest Washington with exceptional plumbing services. We offer inspections, routine maintenance, repairs, and new installations — and we guarantee all the services we provide.