Your water heater works hard every day to provide hot water for showers, dishwashing, laundry, and countless other household tasks. With proper maintenance, you can extend its lifespan from the typical 8-10 years to 12-15 years or more. Regular maintenance also improves efficiency, reduces energy costs, and helps prevent unexpected failures that leave you without hot water.

Why Water Heater Maintenance Matters

Regular water heater maintenance provides several important benefits:

• Extended lifespan: Proper care can double your unit's life expectancy
• Improved efficiency: Clean systems operate more efficiently
• Lower energy bills: Efficient operation reduces energy consumption
• Prevents costly repairs: Early problem detection saves money
• Maintains warranty coverage: Many warranties require regular maintenance
• Ensures safety: Proper operation prevents dangerous conditions

Annual Maintenance Tasks

1. Drain and Flush the Tank

Sediment buildup reduces efficiency and can damage your water heater:

1. Turn off power to electric units or set gas units to pilot
2. Turn off the cold water supply valve
3. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve
4. Open a hot water faucet somewhere in the house
5. Open the drain valve and drain 5-10 gallons
6. Close drain valve and refill the tank
7. Turn power back on once tank is full

2. Test the Pressure Relief Valve

This safety device prevents dangerous pressure buildup:

1. Locate the temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve
2. Place a bucket under the discharge pipe
3. Lift the valve lever briefly to release pressure
4. Water should flow out and stop when you release the lever
5. If it doesn't work properly, call a professional

3. Check and Replace the Anode Rod

The anode rod protects your tank from corrosion:

• Inspect every 3-5 years
• Replace when more than 6 inches of core wire is exposed
• This task typically requires professional service
• Replacement can extend tank life by 5+ years

4. Insulate Older Units

Adding insulation improves efficiency:

• Use a water heater blanket for units over 7 years old
• Insulate hot water pipes within 6 feet of the heater
• Don't cover gas unit vents or controls
• Can reduce heat loss by 25-45%

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

Visual Inspection

Check for these warning signs monthly:

• Water pooling around the unit
• Rust or corrosion on the tank or connections
• Strange noises (rumbling, popping, crackling)
• Pilot light issues (gas units)
• Unusual odors

Temperature Settings

• Maintain temperature at 120°F
• Higher settings waste energy and can cause scalding
• Lower settings may not provide adequate hot water
• Check setting if water seems too hot or cold

Warning Signs That Need Professional Attention

Energy Efficiency Tips

Usage Habits

• Take shorter showers (reduce by 2-3 minutes)
• Fix leaky hot water faucets promptly
• Use cold water for most laundry loads
• Run dishwashers only when full
• Consider low-flow showerheads and faucets

System Improvements

• Install a timer for electric units
• Add a heat pump water heater for maximum efficiency
• Consider tankless systems for high-efficiency homes
• Install a recirculation pump for instant hot water

When to Replace Your Water Heater

Consider replacement if your unit:

• Is over 12 years old and requiring frequent repairs
• Consistently produces rusty or murky water
• Makes loud rumbling noises despite flushing
• Leaks from the tank (not just connections)
• Can't maintain adequate hot water supply
• Has significantly higher energy bills

Denver-Specific Considerations

Denver's water and climate present unique challenges:

• Hard water: Accelerates sediment buildup - flush more frequently
• High altitude: May affect gas unit efficiency and venting
• Temperature fluctuations: Can stress tank materials
• Mineral content: Requires more frequent anode rod replacement