Your water heater is the behind-the-scenes workhorse of your house, delivering hot water for showering, washing dishes, washing clothes, and so much more. Like all mechanical equipment, it must receive maintenance to continue smoothly and prevent a disastrous failure.
Here at Paradise Plumbing, we serve homeowners throughout Southampton, Easthampton, Shirley, Quogue, and all Suffolk County. Our certified technicians frequently discover that a few maintenance measures can be the key to making a big splash in the life of your water heater—tank-style or tankless.
Take the following steps to maintain your water heater and get the best return on your investment.
Why Water Heater Maintenance Matters?
Neglecting your water heater will lead to:
- Reduced heating efficiency from sedimentation
- Rust and corrosion of the tank or fittings
- Leaks and costly water damage
- Higher utility bills from inefficiency
- Premature failure, requiring premature replacement
With regular maintenance, a well-average water heater will run for 10–15 years.
Flush the Tank Every Year
Hard water minerals (particularly prevalent in Suffolk County locations) precipitate to the bottom of the tank over the years. Sedimentation formation can:
- Reduce heating efficiency
- Create resonant popping or rumbling sounds
- Create overheating and tank failure
- Flushing Process:
- Turn off electricity and water heater.
- Position a hose on drain valve at the bottom.
- Close the valve and let water drain until water becomes clear.
- Close the valve, fill the tank, and turn on the heater.
- Tip: If you have no clue how, schedule a yearly flush and call Paradise Plumbing.
Test the Pressure Relief Valve
The Temperature and Pressure relief valve (T&P valve) is a safety valve. It will relieve excess pressure, so the tank won’t explode.
How to Test:
- Set a bucket under the valve.
- Pull the lever halfway up and let it snap back.
- You should hear a gurgling sound and water discharge.
- If not, the valve is most likely bad and needs to be replaced.
- Paradise Plumbing Pro Tip: Don’t make the mistake of ignoring a stuck or leaking relief valve—this can cause dangerous safety hazards.
Inspect the Anode Rod Every 2–3 Years
The anode rod is the metal rod within the tank that consumes corrosive material, so your tank doesn’t rust.
What to Do:
- Replace the rod if it is smaller than ½ inch in diameter or is encased with calcium.
- Spoiled anode rod causes rusty water and a rusty tank.
Reduce the Temperature Setting
The heaters come with a standard 140°F factory setting, which can be reduced to 120°F, and it has numerous advantages:
- Saves energy and lower utility bills
- Prevents scalding burns
- Less mineral deposits and corrosion
Clear the Area Around the Heater
In coastal regions sea salt and damp environments will encourage rusting. See that the heater is well ventilated and from damp locations.
Have a Professional Inspect It
Even if you are handy, it’s well worth having a professional plumber look at it every year. We are here at Paradise Plumbing:
- Inspect for leaks, rust, and corrosion
- Test electrical components and thermostats
- Inspect flu and venting system (for gas units)
- Clean or replace tankless unit filters
We bring tank and tankless water heater knowledge to Suffolk County residences.
Tankless Water Heater Bonus Tips
If you own a tankless water heater, maintenance is slightly different. These units require:
- Flushing or descaling every 12 months to break up limescale
- Air filter cleaning for the best performance
- Cleaning the inlet screen filter for a normal water flow
- Have Paradise Plumbing performs your tankless maintenance so it’s like new.
Need Help? Call Paradise Plumbing Today!
Whether you’re in Southampton, Easthampton, Shirley, or anywhere in Suffolk County, Paradise Plumbing is your trusted local expert for water heater maintenance and repair.
