How to Maintain Your Water Heater for Lodi, CA Homeowners

A water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home, yet most homeowners never think about maintaining it. Regular maintenance extends its life, improves efficiency, and helps prevent unexpected failures. Lodi Plumbing Co delivers water heater maintenance and repair services throughout Lodi, CA. Here are the essential maintenance tasks every homeowner should know.

Flush the Tank Annually

Sediment buildup is the number one enemy of tank water heaters. Minerals, sand, and debris from the water supply settle at the bottom of the tank over time. In areas with hard water, this accumulation happens faster. A layer of sediment insulates the water from the heating element or burner, forcing the water heater to work harder and use more energy. Sediment also accelerates corrosion at the bottom of the tank, which is the most common location for tank failures and leaks.

To flush your water heater, turn off the gas or electricity to the unit. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and run it to a floor drain or outside. Open the drain valve and let water flow until it runs clear. You may need to partially fill and drain the tank several times if there is significant sediment. When the water runs clear, close the drain valve, remove the hose, turn on a hot water faucet in the house, refill the tank, and then restore power or gas.

Annual flushing is the single most important maintenance task for your water heater. It maintains efficiency, prevents premature tank failure, and reduces the risk of unexpected water damage from a corroded and leaking tank.

Test the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

The temperature and pressure relief valve, commonly called the T&P valve or TPR valve, is the most important safety device on your water heater. It is designed to open and release water if the temperature or pressure inside the tank exceeds safe limits, preventing a dangerous explosion. A failed T&P valve is extremely dangerous because it removes the last line of defense against catastrophic tank failure.

Test the T&P valve at least once a year. Place a bucket under the discharge pipe (the pipe running from the valve down toward the floor). Lift the lever on the valve briefly to open it. Hot water should flow out of the discharge pipe. Release the lever and the flow should stop immediately. If the valve does not open, does not release water, or continues to drip after testing, it needs replacement. T&P valve replacement is an inexpensive repair that any licensed plumber can perform quickly.

The discharge pipe should run downward and terminate within six inches of the floor or to a drain. It should never be capped, plugged, or connected to a closed pipe system, as this would prevent the valve from relieving pressure safely.

The Sacrificial Anode Rod

The anode rod is a metal rod, usually magnesium or aluminum, that extends into the tank from the top of the water heater. Its purpose is to attract corrosive elements in the water, sacrificing itself to protect the steel tank. As long as the anode rod is intact, the corrosive minerals attack the rod instead of the tank walls. Once the rod is consumed, the corrosion turns its attention to the tank itself, leading to rust and eventually leaks.

Anode rods should be inspected every two to three years and replaced when they are significantly corroded. A new anode rod costs twenty to fifty dollars and can extend your water heater's life by several years. To check the anode rod, you need to remove it from the top of the tank using a socket wrench (typically a 1-1/16 inch socket). If the rod is less than half an inch in diameter or coated in calcium, it is time for replacement.

If you have a water softener, check the anode rod more frequently. Softened water is more corrosive to anode rods and can consume them faster. Some homeowners in soft water areas switch to a powered anode rod, which uses a small electrical current to protect the tank without being consumed and never needs replacement.

Optimize Your Temperature Setting

Most water heaters come from the factory set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but the Department of Energy recommends 120 degrees for most households. Reducing the temperature to 120 degrees saves energy (roughly 3 to 5 percent for each 10-degree reduction), reduces the risk of scalding (particularly important for households with young children or elderly members), and slows mineral buildup and corrosion inside the tank.

To check your water heater's temperature, run hot water from the nearest faucet for a minute and test with a cooking thermometer. If it is above 120 degrees, locate the temperature dial on the water heater and adjust it down. Gas water heaters have a dial on the gas valve, and electric water heaters have thermostats behind access panels on the side of the tank (usually two, one for each heating element).

There are situations where 120 degrees may not be sufficient. If you have a dishwasher without a built-in heater, it may need 140-degree water for proper sanitization. In this case, consider installing a thermostatic mixing valve at the water heater that allows the tank to run at a higher temperature while mixing cold water to deliver 120-degree water to the rest of the house.

Reduce Heat Loss With Insulation

Older water heaters, and some newer ones in unheated spaces, can benefit from an insulation blanket. A water heater insulation blanket wraps around the tank and reduces standby heat loss, the energy wasted keeping stored water hot. This is especially beneficial for water heaters in garages, basements, or other unheated areas where ambient temperatures are low.

Water heater blankets are available at hardware stores for fifteen to thirty dollars and are easy to install. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and be careful not to cover the thermostat, burner access panel, or top of a gas water heater, as obstructing these areas can create safety hazards. For electric water heaters, you can insulate the entire tank.

Also insulate the first six feet of hot water pipe coming from the water heater. This reduces heat loss in the pipe and delivers hotter water to your fixtures faster, which can also reduce wait time and water waste at distant fixtures.

Maintaining a Tankless Unit

If you have a tankless water heater, annual descaling is the most critical maintenance task. Mineral scale builds up inside the heat exchanger, reducing efficiency and eventually damaging the unit. Descaling involves circulating a vinegar solution through the heat exchanger using a small pump and two hoses connected to the service valves on the unit. Most tankless manufacturers sell descaling kits with everything you need.

In addition to descaling, clean the inlet water filter regularly. The filter screens debris from the water supply and can become clogged over time, reducing flow and triggering error codes. Check the venting system on gas tankless units for any blockages, damage, or bird nests. Inspect the condensate drain on condensing units to ensure it is clear and draining properly.

When to Call a Professional

If you prefer to have a professional handle your water heater maintenance, or if you have noticed problems, we are here to help. Lodi Plumbing Co provides thorough water heater maintenance services in Lodi, CA. Our technicians flush tanks, test safety valves, inspect anode rods, check connections, and ensure your unit is operating safely and efficiently. Call (209) 721-7568 to schedule your annual water heater maintenance.