Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Why Maintenance Matters in Palo Alto

Palo Alto's hard water is hard on water heaters. Minerals settle at the bottom of the tank, build up into sediment, and force the unit to work harder — which shortens its life and raises your energy bill. A little annual care goes a long way toward avoiding an early, expensive replacement.

Flush the Tank Annually

The single most valuable maintenance task is flushing the tank to remove sediment. Over time, that sediment insulates the burner from the water, reduces efficiency, and can cause the rumbling or popping sounds you sometimes hear from an old tank.

Flushing involves draining several gallons from the drain valve until the water runs clear. It is doable for a confident DIYer, but if the valve is old or stuck, it is safer to have a pro do it — a brittle drain valve can break and flood the area.

Check the Anode Rod

The anode rod is a sacrificial metal rod inside the tank that corrodes instead of the tank itself. Once it is consumed — usually around year 5 to 7 — the tank starts to corrode. Replacing a spent anode rod is cheap insurance and can add years to a tank's life.

This is a job most homeowners skip because it requires partially draining the tank and can be physically tough to loosen. We check and replace it as part of a tune-up.

Test the Pressure Relief Valve

The temperature-and-pressure (T&P) relief valve is the safety device that prevents the tank from over-pressurizing. It should be tested once a year by briefly lifting the lever and letting a little water discharge. If it does not release water or it keeps dripping afterward, it needs replacement — and it is a genuine safety issue, not a cosmetic one.

A Quick Seasonal Checklist

Here is a simple list you can run through every year:

• Flush the tank to clear sediment.
• Check for moisture, rust, or drips around fittings and the base.
• Test the T&P relief valve.
• Set the thermostat to 120°F to prevent scalding and save energy.
• Keep the area around the tank clear of stored boxes and flammable items.
• Listen for unusual rumbling or popping during heating.

When to Call a Pro

If you notice rust-colored hot water, a dripping valve that will not stop, or any leak at the base of the tank, do not wait — call us. Early intervention is cheaper than a midnight flood.

Call 650-555-5555 to schedule a water heater tune-up or inspection in Palo Alto.