Water Heater Maintenance Tips to Avoid Unexpected Repairs

Did you know most water heater failures could have been avoided with one or two simple checks?

It’s true. Sediment buildup, corroded parts, and minor leaks usually develop slowly, long before the system breaks down. But most people don’t notice the warning signs until the damage is done.

Whether your water heater is brand new or well into its lifespan, here’s what you can do to prevent surprise breakdowns and get more years out of your system.

1. Don’t Just Flush the Tank, Know When to Do It (and When Not To)

Yes, annual flushing removes sediment. But here’s what most people aren’t told:

If your tank is over 8 years old and has never been flushed, suddenly draining it can break up hardened sediment and cause internal leaks. In that case, a full flush might do more harm than good.

What to do instead:

• If your heater is newer (under 5 years), flush the tank once a year.
• If your heater is older and has never been flushed, have a plumber do a partial flush and inspect the tank’s bottom.

How to do it:

1. Shut off power/gas to the unit.
2. Let the water cool (at least 2 hours).
3. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom.
4. Open a hot water tap in the house (this prevents a vacuum).
5. Drain a few gallons, then close the valve.

If the water looks rusty or full of grit, it’s time for a full inspection.

2. The Anode Rod Is Your First Line of Defense—and Most People Ignore It

This metal rod attracts corrosion inside the tank so your tank walls don’t take the hit. But after 3–5 years, it’s usually fully corroded and useless. At that point, your tank starts rusting from the inside.

What to do: Every 3 years, have the anode rod checked and replaced if needed. If your hot water starts to smell like rotten eggs (sulfur), that’s another clue—it could be the rod reacting with bacteria.

Bonus tip: If you live in a hard water area, your rod may wear down faster. Replace it more often.

3. If the Pressure Relief Valve Isn’t Tested, It Might as Well Not Exist

That little valve on the side of your tank is the only thing stopping a dangerous pressure buildup from becoming a blown-out system. And most homeowners never test it.

How to test it safely:

• Lift the small lever on the valve briefly.
• You should hear water rush into the overflow tube.
• If nothing comes out or if the valve drips afterward, it needs to be replaced immediately.

This is not something to skip. A failed relief valve under pressure is a safety hazard.

4. Check the Pipes and Fittings Around the Tank, Not Just the Tank

Most leaks start small: at the pipe joints, shutoff valves, or drain connections. If you’re only watching the base of the tank, you’re missing 90% of the early warning signs.

What to do:

• Check the cold water inlet and hot water outlet pipes for moisture, corrosion, or loose fittings.
• Feel around the T&P valve pipe and drain valve for any dampness.
• Look for mineral stains or rust trails. These often form before an actual leak begins.

These small signs are the difference between a $200 valve swap and a $2,000 replacement.

5. If You Hear Banging or Popping, Stop Ignoring It

“Popping” isn’t just noise; it’s water trapped under hardened sediment, overheating and turning into steam. That means your tank is working overtime, and the burner or element is stressed.

This isn’t normal wear; it’s damage in progress. If you hear it once in a while, flush the tank soon. If it’s constant, call a plumber. You may be nearing the end of the unit’s life or it could be fixed with a deep clean before a full replacement becomes necessary.

6. Have a Plumber Do a Full Maintenance Check Every 1–2 Years

You wouldn’t drive a car for 10 years without a tune-up. The same goes for your plumbing.

What a good plumber will check:

• Anode rod condition
• T&P valve function
• Burner efficiency or element wear
• Venting safety (especially on gas units)
• Overall tank integrity

A quick inspection every couple of years can extend your water heater’s life by 3 to 5 years and help you avoid a surprise failure.

At Rockwater Plumbing, we handle inspections like a diagnostic, not just a glance. We catch the problems that lead to breakdowns, and we’ll tell you honestly whether you need a fix, a cleanout, or a full replacement.

Your Water Heater’s Not Going to Save Itself

It’s easy to forget about your water heater until you lose hot water, spring a leak, or get hit with a major bill. But you don’t have to wait for a crisis.

If you’ve never flushed your tank, checked the anode rod, or tested your relief valve, it’s not too late to start. And if something feels off, don’t guess but call someone who knows.

Rockwater Plumbing is here to keep your system running longer, smarter, and safer. And if your unit is already showing its age, we’ll walk you through your options without the pressure.