The Right Maintenance Schedule for Reliable Hot Water
Your water heater works hard every day, but like any appliance, it needs regular attention to keep performing at its best. JG Water Heaters, Filtration and Plumbing recommends scheduling a professional water heater maintenance visit once a year for most tank-style systems. This simple habit can make a big difference—helping you avoid surprise breakdowns, extend the life of your unit, and keep your energy bills in check.
What Does Regular Maintenance Do for You?
- Prevents unexpected breakdowns before they leave you without hot water
- Extends the lifespan of your water heater, delaying costly replacements
- Improves energy efficiency, lowering monthly utility bills
- Reduces sediment buildup that can lead to noisy tanks and overheating
- Protects your tank from corrosion by checking and replacing the anode rod
- Improves safety by testing the pressure relief valve and gas components
- Keeps your warranty valid (many manufacturers require annual service after installation)
- Gives you peace of mind knowing everything is working as it should
When Was Your Last Water Heater Checkup?
If it’s been over a year—or you’re not sure—our friendly team is ready to help. Just one visit a year can help you stay ahead of the stress and enjoy reliable hot water every day.
A Closer Look at What We Check During a Water Heater Maintenance Visit
Tank-style water heaters do a lot of heavy lifting behind the scenes—keeping your showers warm, dishes clean, and laundry fresh. But without regular care, mineral buildup, wear and tear, or unnoticed issues can lead to inefficiency, leaks, or full system failure. During a maintenance visit, we go beyond surface-level checks to help your system run safely, efficiently, and reliably.
Here’s what we do during a water heater maintenance appointment:
1. Drain and Flush the Tank
Over time, sediment from hard water builds up inside your tank. If it’s not flushed out regularly, it can reduce efficiency, cause rumbling noises, and eventually damage the tank. We completely drain and flush the tank to remove buildup to help your system heat faster, last longer, and work better.
2. Inspect the Anode Rod
The anode rod prevents rust from eating away at the tank. We check its condition and recommend replacement if it's heavily corroded. Keeping the anode rod in good shape can add years to your water heater’s life.
3. Check the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve (T&P Valve)
This safety valve prevents your tank from becoming over-pressurized—a rare but dangerous issue. We inspect and test the T&P valve to verify it’s working properly and keeping your home safe.
4. Examine for Leaks and Corrosion
We look closely around the base of the unit, fittings, and connections for any signs of leaks, rust, or corrosion. Spotting these early can prevent water damage and bigger repairs down the line.
5. Test the Thermostat and Heating Elements (If Electric)
For electric water heaters, we test the thermostat settings and inspect both upper and lower heating elements. If they're not working efficiently, you might be using more energy than necessary—or ending up with lukewarm water.
6. Check Gas Burner and Venting (If Gas)
For gas models, we clean the burner assembly and check for proper flame quality and venting. Poor combustion or blocked vents can affect performance and safety. We make sure everything’s running clean and clear.
7. Review Water Temperature Setting
We check your water temperature setting and can help adjust it for efficiency and safety (especially important in homes with kids or elderly residents). The ideal range is usually around 120°F for comfort and energy savings.
8. Provide Honest Recommendations
Once we’ve completed our checks, we’ll walk you through any concerns we found, answer your questions, and recommend next steps if needed—whether that’s making a repair now, planning for an upcoming water heater replacement, or simply setting a reminder for your next annual checkup.
