How To Maintain Your Water Heater

September 14, 2023
Woman working on water heater

Water heaters are essential to your home, providing you with comfortable showers, clean dishes, and cozy spaces during chilly weather. Yet, these trusty appliances often go unnoticed until a problem arises. Regular water heater maintenance might not be the most exciting task, but it's essential for ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your unit. In this blog post, we'll delve into the importance of routine maintenance, what to watch out for, and situations that put the most stress on your water heater.


Why You Need Routine Maintenance For Your Water Heater

Just like any other appliance, water heaters require regular upkeep to function optimally. Neglecting maintenance can lead to a range of issues that not only decrease the unit's efficiency but also result in costly repairs or even premature replacement.


  1. Extended Lifespan: A well-maintained water heater can last significantly longer than one that's left unchecked. Routine maintenance helps prevent the accumulation of sediment, rust, and corrosion, which can shorten the heater's lifespan.
  2. Energy Efficiency: Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank is a common issue. This layer acts as an insulator, making your water heater work harder to heat water. Regular flushing of the tank removes sediment, allowing the unit to operate efficiently and saving you money on energy bills.
  3. Consistent Performance: Have you ever experienced fluctuations in water temperature while showering? Neglected water heaters are more likely to suffer from inconsistent water heating, leaving you shivering unexpectedly. Routine maintenance ensures that your unit consistently delivers the desired temperature.
  4. Reduced Repair Costs: By catching small issues early on, routine maintenance can prevent them from escalating into major problems that require expensive repairs. Regular check-ups can help you catch leaks, pressure valve issues, and other potential concerns before they cause significant damage.


How to Inspect Your Water Heater

While it's recommended to have a professional perform a comprehensive inspection, there are several tasks you can do yourself to keep an eye on your water heater's condition.


Visual Inspection

Regularly inspect your water heater for any signs of leaks, rust, or corrosion. Check the pressure relief valve and drain valve for proper functioning.


Water Quality

If you notice a metallic taste or an unusual odor in your hot water, it might indicate that the anode rod in the tank is due for replacement. This rod prevents the tank from corroding, so keeping it in good condition is crucial.


Temperature and Pressure

Check the water temperature settings and ensure they're set at a safe and comfortable level. Additionally, verify that the pressure relief valve is functioning correctly by lifting the lever and allowing a small amount of water to discharge. If it doesn't release water, it might be time to replace it.


Draining the Tank

Over time, sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage. Draining a few gallons of water from the tank every few months can help prevent sediment buildup.


Broken water heater with water spilled on the floor

Warning Signs and Stressors for Your Water Heater

Certain situations can place additional stress on your water heater, potentially accelerating wear and tear. Being aware of these stressors can help you take extra precautions when necessary.


  • Hard Water: If your home has hard water—water with high mineral content—it can lead to faster sediment buildup and mineral deposits inside the tank. Consider installing a water softener to mitigate this issue.
  • Frequent Usage: Homes with large families or those that frequently require hot water for various activities, such as running the dishwasher and washing machine simultaneously, can put more strain on the water heater. In such cases, opting for a larger capacity water heater might be advisable.
  • High Temperature Settings: Running your water heater at excessively high temperatures not only poses a scalding risk but also contributes to accelerated sediment buildup and corrosion. Keep the temperature settings within safe and efficient ranges.
  • Lack of Maintenance: Neglecting routine maintenance is perhaps the most significant stressor on your water heater. Regular maintenance can prevent issues before they escalate and ensure your unit runs smoothly for years to come.


Now Is the time to prepare

Currently, due to the high outside temperature and the ground being 20 degrees warmer, the water entering your house is much warmer too. However, during the winter, it's going to be significantly colder. The biggest risk for water heaters that are over 10 years old are the freezing temperatures like we had last year. This shock can actually lead to cracks in the water heater tank. Obviously, dealing with emergencies or waiting for them is never ideal.


Assess the Age of Your Water Heater

If you're aware that your water heater is between 12 to 15 years old or even older, it's a wise choice to take action now rather than procrastinating. Postponing the issue could escalate into an emergency situation, potentially causing flooding and damage. Not to mention the hassle of cleaning up the mess. Being proactive is definitely the smart approach.


You might be wondering, "How can I find how old my water heater is?" Well, here's an interesting tip: It's somewhat like checking a car. There's a plate or sticker somewhere on it that indicates the manufacturer, but it doesn't typically mention a year like "1999". They use serial numbers instead. To figure it out, all you need to do is visit the manufacturer's website. Just input the serial number, and voilà, you'll get the information.


How A Technician Can Help

If you'd rather leave this to the professionals, no worries. Our Plumb Works technicians have apps for the four major water heater manufacturers on their phones. They can quickly retrieve this information for you during their visit. This also applies if your water heater was installed by a company other than Plumb Works. Our techs can call the manufacturer to verify any previous work, like warranty-related fixes before beginning repairs. In fact, water heaters typically come with a warranty period of 5 to 6 years. If something was covered and replaced under warranty, it'll be on record. Manufacturers keep track of these details and would be able to provide insight to homeowners warranty claims, repairs, and replacements, which encourages proactive engagement.


“It's easy for homeowners to gather information about their water heaters themselves, but we're here to assist if needed. It all comes down to preventive maintenance” says Plumb Works owner Jerome Sabol. 


Schedule Your Service With Plumb Works

Your water heater might not be the most attention-grabbing appliance in your home, but it certainly plays a vital role in your daily comfort. By committing to a routine maintenance schedule, keeping a watchful eye on your unit's condition, and being mindful of stressors, you can significantly extend its lifespan, improve energy efficiency, and avoid costly repairs. Remember, a little investment in time and effort today can save you from a headache—and a chilly shower this winter. For Atlanta water heater repairs, call Plumb Works today at 404-524-1825!

Handyman and toolbox
December 12, 2025
Business owners and operators can consider the following commercial plumbing calendar to help bypass any issues that might clog your project pipeline.
By Lizzi Skipper November 25, 2025
Nothing puts the cold chill on the festive holiday season like a frozen or burst pipe. Frozen pipes are bad enough, but when they burst, the problem worsens and can easily lead to flood damage requiring costly repairs. This all-too-common occurrence affects an estimated 250,000 homes in America each year. And Georgia may be a hot bed for frozen pipes. According to a State Farm report released in 2023, Georgia topped the list of frozen pipe-related losses at $100 million (from August 2002-August 2023.) Plumb Works remains your go-to source for frozen or burst pipe calls in our service area. However, there are some simple tips you can apply to protect pipes in cold weather and help avoid a house call. Before the thermometer dips below freezing – that’s 32 degrees Fahrenheit – do the following:
Lenz building
October 21, 2025
When Lenz, Plumb Works’s marketing agency of record, moved into its new home, an historic building on the Decatur Square, it didn’t have to look far.
Water heater inspection
October 2, 2025
October is the perfect time for seasonal plumbing maintenance to make sure your water heater is ready to bring the warmth when you need it most.
Thank you, Eric Ponder for 20 years of service!
October 2, 2025
Eric, thank you—for your 20 years of service, for the integrity you bring to your work, and for being a core part of the Plumb Works family.
September 16, 2025
The arrival of football season often inspires many to create a backyard retreat custom made for game day celebration. Sure, our imaginations can run wild when it comes to adding an outdoor kitchen or gas lines for that dream fire pit or grill. However, before kicking off the big play, the experts at Plumb Works are here to remind you of some key elements.
August 1, 2025
If your home is 30, 40, or even 50 years old, there’s a good chance your gas piping system hasn’t been updated since it was installed. Unfortunately, aging gas pipes can put your home and family at serious risk. Gas lines naturally degrade over time, and older materials are much more likely to develop leaks, corrosion, or even sudden failures. In metro Atlanta, soil conditions and humid weather can speed up deterioration, making it even more important to have your system inspected if your home is decades old. At Plumb Works, we’ve seen firsthand the dangers of outdated gas lines in Atlanta-area homes. Here’s why you shouldn’t wait to have yours evaluated. Why Old Gas Pipes Are a Serious Hazard Gas lines may last for decades, but they don’t last forever. Many Atlanta homes built between 1975-1995 used black iron or galvanized steel gas piping. These older materials are prone to: Corrosion and rust: Atlanta’s humid summers and occasional flooding can accelerate corrosion, especially in crawl spaces or underground lines. Loose connections: Changes in temperature between the hot southern summers and colder winters can weaken threaded connections, leading to leaks. Outdated materials: Galvanized steel pipes used in the past can flake apart internally, causing dangerous blockages. Lack of protective coating: Modern gas lines are coated with fusion-bonded epoxie (FBEs) to resist corrosion, but older pipes generally don’t have that protection. Even small leaks are dangerous because there is no safe level of exposure to natural gas. Natural gas is highly flammable, and any exposure can also lead to serious health issues, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, or even suffocation at high levels. Warning Signs Your Gas Piping Needs Repair or Replacement Because most gas piping runs behind walls or underground, spotting problems isn’t always easy. Here are a few red flags to watch for: A rotten egg smell (the odorant added to natural gas) Hissing or whistling sounds near gas appliances or lines Dead patches of grass above buried gas lines Visible rust or corrosion on any exposed pipes A sudden or unexplained increase in your gas bill If you notice any of these, call a licensed plumber right away. Gas leaks are an emergency and should NEVER be handled as a DIY repair. What Atlanta Homeowners Should Do If Your Gas Piping Is 30-50 Years Old If your home’s gas lines are decades old, schedule a professional inspection even if you haven’t noticed issues. Licensed plumbers in Atlanta, like Plumb Works, can evaluate your system, locate leaks, and determine if repairs or a full replacement are necessary. Modern gas piping materials like CSST (corrugated stainless steel tubing) or polyethylene piping last longer, resist corrosion, and are more flexible for installations around Georgia’s clay-heavy soil. Upgrading your system will not only make your home safer but also more efficient. Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late Delaying repairs or replacement of old gas pipes can have devastating consequences, including fires, explosions, or carbon monoxide exposure. Addressing the problem now can keep your family safe while protecting your property (and your wallet) from major damage. It’s also crucial to bring your home up to Georgia’s current safety codes. Call Atlanta’s Trusted Gas Line Repair Experts If your Atlanta home was built from 1975-1995 and you’ve never had the gas piping inspected, now is the time. Plumb Works, Inc. specializes in Atlanta gas line repair and gas line replacement . We understand the unique challenges of Georgia’s climate and soil conditions and follow all City of Atlanta and Georgia state codes for gas line safety. Don’t wait until a small leak turns into a dangerous emergency. Call us today or schedule an appointment online using our self-scheduler. Our licensed plumbers will perform a thorough inspection and give you peace of mind knowing your home’s gas piping is safe.
June 16, 2025
Plumbing can be intimidating. But not every plumbing fix requires a call to the pros. In fact, there are a handful of simple plumbing tasks that just about anyone can tackle with a little patience and the right guidance. Whether you’re a new homeowner, a renter, or just tired of paying for every minor leak or clog, this one’s for you.
May 1, 2025
Here’s a closer look at the most common summer sewer concerns and how to stay ahead of them before they become major (and messy) problems.
April 1, 2025
Thinking about a career in plumbing? Here’s a breakdown of the journey from apprentice to master plumber, and why Plumb Works is a great place to get started.
Show More