Nobody wants to start their morning with an icy shower, especially during a chilly Texas winter. Your water heater works hard every day to keep your home comfortable, but without regular care, it can fail when you need it most. The good news? A little attention now can help you avoid those surprise cold showers and extend the life of your system. Whether you have a traditional tank model or a tankless unit, staying on top of maintenance makes all the difference in keeping hot water flowing.

Don't wait for a breakdown to take action. If you're experiencing issues with your water heater or want to schedule preventive maintenance, contact us online or call (972) 645-2738 today.

Why Water Heater Maintenance Matters

Think of your water heater like your car—it needs regular checkups to run smoothly. Over time, sediment builds up in the tank, parts wear out, and small issues can turn into expensive repairs. Regular maintenance helps catch these problems early, which can save you money and hassle down the road. A well-maintained water heater also uses energy more efficiently, which means lower utility bills for you. Most importantly, routine care helps ensure you'll have reliable hot water when you need it for showers, dishes, laundry, and everything else.

How Often Should You Service Your Water Heater?

For most homeowners, an annual professional inspection is a smart baseline. However, you should also perform simple monthly checks on your own. If your water is particularly hard—meaning it has high mineral content—you may need more frequent attention since sediment accumulates faster. Tankless models have different maintenance schedules than traditional tanks, so check your owner's manual for specific recommendations. When in doubt, it's better to have a professional take a look rather than wait for warning signs.

Simple Monthly Checks You Can Do Yourself

You don't need to be a plumber to keep an eye on your water heater's basic health. Here are quick tasks that take just minutes:

Temperature Gauge Check: Look at your water heater's temperature setting. It should typically be set around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is hot enough for daily needs while helping prevent scalding and reducing energy waste.
Visual Inspection: Walk over to your water heater and look around its base. Check for any pooling water, rust spots, or moisture. These signs can indicate a leak or other issue that needs professional attention.
Listen for Unusual Sounds: While you're near your unit, listen for any rumbling, popping, or banging noises. These sounds often mean sediment has built up inside the tank and needs to be flushed out.
Test the Pressure Relief Valve: This safety feature releases pressure if it builds up too high inside the tank. Once every few months, carefully lift the valve's lever to make sure water flows out and stops when you release it. If nothing happens or water keeps dripping, call a professional.

These simple checks help you spot potential problems before they turn into emergencies. If you notice anything unusual during your inspection, don't put off getting it checked out.

Flushing Your Water Heater Tank

Sediment—made up of minerals like calcium and magnesium—settles at the bottom of your tank over time. This buildup makes your water heater work harder to heat water, reduces efficiency, and can eventually cause damage. Flushing the tank removes this sediment and keeps things running smoothly.

Most experts recommend flushing your tank once a year, though homes with hard water may benefit from doing this twice yearly. While some homeowners handle this task themselves, many prefer having a professional do it to ensure it's done correctly and safely. The process involves shutting off power or gas to the unit, attaching a hose to the drain valve, and emptying the tank completely. After the water runs clear, the tank is refilled and the system is restarted.

Checking the Anode Rod

Inside your tank water heater is a metal rod called an anode rod. This component attracts corrosive elements in the water, protecting your tank from rust and corrosion. Think of it as taking the hit so your tank doesn't have to. Over time, the anode rod deteriorates and eventually needs replacement.

Most anode rods last between three to five years, depending on your water quality and usage. A professional can inspect this component during routine maintenance. If the rod is heavily corroded or less than half an inch thick, it's time for a new one. Replacing the anode rod is much less expensive than replacing an entire water heater that's rusted through.

Maintaining Tankless Water Heaters

If you have a tankless water heater, your maintenance routine looks a bit different. These units don't store water, so they don't have the same sediment issues as traditional tanks. However, mineral buildup can still occur in the heat exchanger—the part that actually heats the water.

Tankless units typically need descaling once a year to remove mineral deposits. This process involves circulating a descaling solution through the system to dissolve buildup. Many manufacturers recommend professional plumbing services for this task, as it requires specific knowledge of the system. You should also clean the inlet filter screen regularly—usually every few months—to prevent debris from entering the unit.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Professional Attention

Even with regular maintenance, water heaters eventually show signs of trouble. Catching these early can prevent bigger problems:

Water that's not as hot as usual: If your morning shower feels lukewarm despite the thermostat setting, something's wrong with the heating element or system.
Rusty or discolored water: Brown or reddish water coming from your hot taps could mean the inside of your tank is corroding.
Strange noises: Loud popping, banging, or rumbling sounds indicate sediment buildup or other internal issues.
Leaking around the base: Even small puddles shouldn't be ignored, as they often signal a crack or loose connection.
Age of the unit: Most traditional tank water heaters last 8-12 years, while tankless models can last up to 20 years with proper care.

If you notice any of these warning signs, it's time to call in a professional. Waiting too long can turn a simple repair into a full replacement. Getting expert eyes on the problem quickly can often save you money and prevent water damage to your home.

Insulating Your Water Heater

For older units, adding insulation can improve efficiency and reduce energy costs. An insulating blanket wraps around the tank and helps it maintain temperature without working as hard. This is especially helpful if your water heater sits in an unheated garage or utility room. Newer models often come pre-insulated, so check your owner's manual before adding extra insulation. You can also insulate the hot water pipes leading from your heater, which helps hot water stay warm as it travels to your faucets and showers.

Planning Ahead for Replacement

Even the best-maintained water heater won't last forever. If your unit is approaching the end of its expected lifespan, start thinking about replacement before an emergency happens. Shopping for a new water heater on your timeline—rather than in panic mode after a breakdown—lets you make better decisions about size, efficiency, and features. You'll also avoid the inconvenience and stress of being without hot water while you scramble to find a solution.

Keep Your Hot Water Flowing with Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric

Regular water heater maintenance is one of the smartest investments you can make in your home's comfort and efficiency. By staying proactive with simple checks and annual professional service, you'll avoid those dreaded cold showers and unexpected repair bills. Whether you need routine maintenance, repairs, or help deciding if it's time for a replacement, the experienced team at Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric is here to help homeowners throughout the Greater Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston areas.

Reach out through our online contact form or call (972) 645-2738 to schedule your water heater service today.

Water Heater Maintenance Tips to Avoid Unexpected Cold Showers