Why Regular Water Heater Maintenance is Crucial
Hot water tank maintenance is essential for your home’s comfort, your water heater’s lifespan, and your energy bills. Since water heaters can account for 17% of household energy costs, regular care is a smart investment.
Key Maintenance Tasks:
- Flush the tank annually to remove sediment buildup
- Test the temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve for safe operation
- Inspect the anode rod every 1-3 years to prevent tank corrosion
- Check for leaks around connections and the base
- Adjust temperature to 120°F for efficiency and safety
- Insulate the tank and pipes to reduce heat loss
Without regular care, mineral deposits accumulate, parts corrode, and efficiency drops, leading to higher bills and failure when you need hot water most. Proper maintenance can extend a tank model’s lifespan to 10-12 years and a tankless unit’s life up to 20 years, all while preventing costly breakdowns.
While understanding these steps is valuable, working with gas lines, electrical connections, and scalding water presents serious safety risks. AAA Home Services recommends having a trained technician handle your water heater maintenance. Our professionals have the expertise to safely service your unit and identify problems before they become major issues.
I’m Dan Walsh, and with extensive experience at AAA, I’ve seen how professional hot water tank maintenance prevents breakdowns and extends the life of water heaters throughout the Greater St. Louis area. Our technicians follow best practices to keep your system running safely and efficiently.
Hot water tank maintenance terms to know:
The benefits of regular hot water tank maintenance are clear: it protects your investment, saves money, and ensures home safety. Neglecting it can lead to reduced hot water, leaks, strange noises, and premature system failure. Entrusting your water heater’s care to professionals ensures these issues are caught early, maintaining peak performance and peace of mind.
Key Steps in Professional Hot Water Tank Maintenance
This section details the essential tasks a trained technician performs during a maintenance visit. While it’s good to understand the process, these tasks involve safety risks with gas, electricity, and hot water, and should be handled by a qualified professional, such as those at AAA Home Services. Our goal is to ensure your water heater operates safely and efficiently, providing reliable hot water for your family.
Inspecting Key Components and Safety Features
When our technicians arrive for hot water tank maintenance, their first priority is a thorough inspection of all critical components. This comprehensive check ensures both the efficiency and safety of your unit—because a water heater isn’t just about convenience, it’s about protecting your home and family.
The Temperature and Pressure (T&P) relief valve is one of the most vital safety devices. This valve automatically opens if the temperature or pressure gets too high, preventing dangerous pressure buildup. Our technicians test this valve annually to confirm it functions correctly, as a faulty T&P valve can lead to serious safety hazards.
Next, our technicians inspect the anode rod—the unsung hero of your water heater. This sacrificial component attracts corrosive elements in the water, protecting your tank’s steel lining from rust. We inspect this rod annually and replace it when worn. This simple step can add years to your water heater’s life and prevent costly leaks.
Beyond these parts, our technicians examine the thermostat, drain valve, and dip tube. For gas models, we check the burner assembly and venting system. For electric models, we assess the heating elements and tighten electrical connections. Every detail matters for safe and efficient operation.
Customer Review Highlight:
“James S., Chesterfield, MO – Can’t say enough of how great Dan and Tim were in getting us a water heater replaced within a matter of hours. The customer service was so impressive… AAA will be my one and only source for any home appliance or home service needs from here on out.”
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Flushing the Tank: A Key Step in Hot Water Tank Maintenance
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Flushing the tank to remove sediment is one of the most impactful maintenance tasks. Over time, minerals from hard water—found in 85% of U.S. homes—settle at the bottom of your tank. This layer of sediment insulates the water from the heating element, forcing the unit to work harder and raising your energy bills.
This buildup can cause a host of problems, including:
- Knocking or rumbling noises
- Reduced hot water supply
- Fluctuating temperatures
- Rusty or discolored water
- Premature tank failure due to corrosion
Our technicians perform a thorough tank flush annually, or more often for homes with very hard water. The process involves safely shutting off the power/gas and water supplies, then draining the tank until the water runs clear. This service, typically taking 20-25 minutes, is crucial for efficiency and longevity.
More info about water softeners
Adjusting Settings and Ensuring Efficiency
Optimizing your water heater’s settings and insulation also plays a big role in efficiency. Our technicians ensure these details are perfectly tuned during every hot water tank maintenance visit.
The water temperature setting is a key example. We recommend setting your thermostat to 120°F, which is hot enough for household needs but reduces scalding risks. For every 10 degrees you lower the temperature, you can save up to 5 percent on energy costs. Our professionals can safely adjust your thermostat.
Insulation is another area for big savings. Insulating a water heater in an unheated space can reduce heat loss by up to 45 percent. We also recommend insulating the first six feet of the hot and cold water pipes. Our technicians use appropriate materials and ensure they’re installed correctly without blocking safety components.
For gas water heaters, the pilot light must stay lit. If you suddenly have no hot water, the pilot may be out. Our technicians can safely relight the pilot and, more importantly, diagnose why it went out—whether it’s a faulty thermocouple, a gas supply issue, or another problem that needs professional attention.
Customer Review Highlight:
“David B., St. Louis, MO – Dan was very professional and knowledgeable. He explained everything he was doing and why. He was very thorough and made sure everything was working properly before he left. I would highly recommend him and AAA.”
Learn about lowering energy bills
A Note on Tankless Hot Water Tank Maintenance
Tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years with proper care, but they have unique hot water tank maintenance needs.
The primary task is descaling. Mineral deposits can build up in the heat exchanger, reducing efficiency and causing damage. Our technicians perform a specialized descaling process by circulating a solution through the system to dissolve these deposits. This service is often required annually by manufacturers to keep your warranty valid, especially in areas with hard water.
Our professionals also inspect and clean the inlet water filter to protect the unit from debris. This annual service is essential for tankless models to reach their impressive lifespan and maintain peak energy efficiency.
Learn about tankless water heaters.
When to Schedule Professional Water Heater Service
Even with diligent hot water tank maintenance, problems can arise that require immediate professional attention. Knowing the warning signs and when to call AAA Home Services can save you from a cold shower—or worse, a flooded basement.
Your water heater often gives you signals before it fails. Water pooling around the base of your tank is one of the most serious. While a small drip might be a loose connection, puddles typically mean the tank itself has corroded through and requires replacement.
No hot water is another clear sign something’s wrong. For gas heaters, it could be a pilot light, a faulty thermocouple, or a gas supply issue. Electric models might have a burned-out heating element or thermostat. These issues involve gas lines or high-voltage electricity and require professional expertise.
Loud rumbling, banging, or popping noises usually mean significant sediment has built up inside the tank. Severe buildup can damage the tank and should be addressed by a trained technician.
If you smell gas near your water heater, evacuate your home immediately, call your gas company, and then contact AAA Home Services. This is a critical safety issue. Similarly, a pilot light that won’t stay lit points to problems with the thermocouple or gas supply that need an expert.
Rusty or discolored water, foul odors, or a T&P valve that drips continuously all indicate problems beyond routine maintenance. These issues might signal internal corrosion, bacterial growth, or excessive pressure—all situations where DIY repairs can be dangerous.
For tankless water heaters, error codes signal that something specific needs attention. These codes require professional interpretation and the right tools to resolve safely.
Our certified technicians at AAA Home Services have the training to safely diagnose and fix these issues. We know that when your hot water stops, you need help fast—that’s why we can often offer Same Day or Next Day service.
Customer Review Highlight:
“John D., St. Peters, MO – The technician was on time, professional, and did a great job. He explained the problem and the solution clearly. I was very happy with the service.”
The bottom line? If you notice anything unusual with your water heater, don’t wait. For peace of mind and expert service in the St. Louis, St. Charles, and Warren County area, trust the certified technicians at AAA Home Services. We pride ourselves on fair, honest pricing and award-winning service backed by over 8,000 Google reviews and 50+ years of experience.
Schedule your water heater repair service today.
Regular hot water tank maintenance is an investment in your home’s comfort, safety, and efficiency. You don’t have to tackle it alone. AAA Home Services is here to ensure your water heater provides consistent, efficient hot water for years to come.
