Basic Water Heater Maintenance

It can be easy to forget about your water heater when it sits out of sight in a closet, garage, or basement. However, this important plumbing appliance requires some basic maintenance to function efficiently throughout the course of its lifetime. With the right care, your water heater can last 10-15 years or more before requiring replacement. If you have questions or concerns about your water heater or any problems you might be experiencing, your Sonoma County plumber can provide you with personalized advice and assistance.

Flushing Your Water Heater

One of the easiest tasks you can perform to maintain your water heater is to flush the tank. You should flush your water heater two to three times a year to remove sediment and other materials that can build up inside the tank. Over time, sediment can stick to the walls of the tank and cause them to corrode, requiring replacement of your water heater. To flush your water heater, first turn off the power or gas to the system and close the incoming water valve so the tank will not refill with water until you are done. Attach a hose to the drain spigot at the bottom of the tank, placing the other end in a drain or sink. Open the drain valve at the bottom and drain your water heater’s tank completely. If the water running out of the tank is dirty, close the drain valve when the tank is empty and turn on the water input to fill the tank; drain the tank again until the water runs clear. When you see clear water draining from the tank, close the drain spigot, remove the valve, and allow the tank to fill with water. Restore power or gas to the unit last.

Changing Your Water Heater’s Sacrificial Anode Rod

Most water heaters use a sacrificial anode rod to reduce corrosion in the tank. This rod, made of aluminum or magnesium around a steel wire core, is designed to corrode in place of your water heater’s tank walls to prolong the lifetime of the appliance. Once the rod has corroded, it must be replaced. Typically, you’ll only need to replace your anode rod once every five to ten years. To check or replace your sacrificial anode rod, turn off the power, gas, and incoming water to your heater. At the top of the tank, you’ll see a large hexagonal bolt, which is at the top of the anode rod. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen this bolt; once the bolt is loose, pull the anode rod out of the tank and inspect it. If you can see the steel wire core of the rod, it needs to be replaced. Simply put a new rod into your tank and screw it back into place. If you aren’t sure how to access or replace the anode rod, your plumber will be happy to help you.

These simple water heater maintenance tips can prolong the lifetime of the appliance and prevent many common hot water problems. You can find more tips for maintaining your water heater, disposal, septic tank, and other plumbing systems on our blog. Visit our website to contact a plumber in Santa Rosa, Windsor, or Petaluma.