5 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Maintenance Now

Your water heater is one of your home’s most vital unsung heroes. These systems are responsible for every hot shower, clean dish, and fresh load of laundry, which means it’s a big problem when they shut down unexpectedly. The best way to avoid sudden water heater failures is by keeping up with preventative water heater maintenance. In this guide, we’ll explain why maintaining your water heater is so important and cover the top 5 signs that it’s time to schedule a water heater service appointment.

Why Water Heater Maintenance Matters

Water heater maintenance is vital when it comes to keeping your unit running safely, reliably, and efficiently. Over time, water heater sediment buildup forces the system to work harder and increases its energy usage. By flushing the tank and periodically maintaining the whole system, you’ll keep your energy costs to a minimum.

Safety is another major reason to learn how to maintain a water heater, especially if yours is gas-powered. Because of the extreme danger of gas leaks, it’s important to have your system periodically inspected and tuned up to ensure gas fittings are in good condition and don’t pose a risk to your home and family. And of course, proper maintenance helps to keep your system running smoothly, helping you avoid shutdowns, premature water heater repair, or even full system replacement.

1. Lukewarm or Inconsistent Hot Water

One of the most irritating and obvious signs your water heater needs repair or a tune-up is if the system is putting out lukewarm or inconsistently heated water. If your water heater isn’t heating properly, it can be a sign of a few issues.

If you’re getting hot water, but only in small amounts, it means one or both of the system’s heating elements have failed, and the parts will need to be replaced. If your water supply is steady, but it only reaches lukewarm temperatures, it’s usually caused by excess sediment buildup in the tank, meaning it’s time to flush the water heater.

2. Strange Noises Coming from the Tank

Another common issue is a water heater making noise while running. While some sound is expected, rumbling, popping, or high-pitched whining noises all indicate an issue with the unit. If the bottom of your tank is full of sediment, it can cause the unit to overheat, allowing water to boil inside rather than just heating up. Try flushing the tank to see if it stops the noise, and if not, contact a plumbing professional for help.

3. Discolored or Rusty Water

If water is coming out of your taps with a strange color or a rusty appearance, it usually means the water heater’s sacrificial anode rod needs to be replaced. This component is designed to rust before other components, protecting the rest of your system. But naturally, these sacrificial rods will need to be replaced once they’ve done their job — usually every 3 to 5 years.

4. Water Around the Base of the Tank

Obviously, the water is supposed to stay inside the tank. If you’re noticing water pooling around the unit, it usually means there’s a leaking pipe or connection nearby. If the leaking water is hot or warm, you can narrow down the problem to the outlet pipes. Checking and tightening these connections is a key part of routine water heater service.

5. Rising Utility Bills Without Explanation

A subtle but important sign that you need professional water heater maintenance is if you notice your energy bills rising without any change in your usage. As your system gets older, dirtier, and more worn out, it’s forced to work harder to do its job, meaning it consumes more electricity or gas. There are many reasons for rising energy bills, such as sediment buildup, a failing heating element, or general component wear.

The Benefits of Routine Water Heater Maintenance

Now that we’ve looked at a few water heater maintenance tips, why do homeowners need to keep up with this task? There are several benefits to regular water heater maintenance, including:

• Improved energy efficiency
• More reliable hot water supply
• Reduced chance of water heater shutdowns
• Less risk of a water leak damaging your home
• Extends the life of your water heater
• Ensures your safety from gas leaks or electrical hazards
• Saves you money on water heater repair and replacement

How often should you service your water heater? To get the full benefits listed above, we suggest getting your system professionally inspected, tuned up, and maintained once a year. This gives your plumbing tech a chance to not only clean and maintain the components but also to flush the tank, inspect all gas and water connections, and ensure the entire system is ready to run reliably and safely.

Schedule a Water Heater Check-Up with TRIO Heating, Air & Plumbing

With the right approach to water heater maintenance, homeowners can enjoy safe, reliable, and energy-efficient water heating for the full 8- to 12-year lifespan of their system. While some tasks are relatively DIY-friendly, such as flushing the tank or replacing the anode rod, many repairs and tune-up jobs are best left to the professional. Plus, when you allow an expert to maintain your water heater, you allow them to catch other issues with your system earlier on, protecting you from further damage or breakdowns.

If you’re looking for skilled, effective, and quick water heater maintenance, the team at TRIO Heating, Air and Plumbing has you covered. Our plumbing technicians have extensive experience working with water heaters of all makes and models, from conventional tank-style units like we discussed here, all the way to modern tankless systems. With our tools and knowledge at your disposal, you get the peace of mind knowing your unit has been tuned to perfection and is ready to serve your home for the year to come.

Ready to stop living in fear of that next water heater issue? Contact us today to schedule your next water heater service appointment.