How Often Should You Service Your Water Heater? Everything You Need to Know
Why Traditional Water Heaters Need Regular Maintenance – Avoid Costly Repairs & Extend Lifespan
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late – Service Your Water Heater Annually
Your traditional tank water heater is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. Every day, it heats and stores water for showers, laundry, dishes, and more. But over time, sediment buildup, corrosion, and worn-out components can cause it to lose efficiency, waste energy, and even fail unexpectedly.
Regular water heater maintenance is essential to keeping your system running efficiently, preventing costly repairs, and ensuring a long lifespan.
At Garcia Plumbing Company, we provide professional water heater flushing, inspections, and tune-ups to keep your unit in top condition.
Signs Your Traditional Water Heater Needs Maintenance
Most homeowners don’t think about their water heater until it stops working. However, there are warning signs that your system needs servicing now:
Rusty or Discolored Water – This could indicate corrosion inside the tank.
Strange Noises – Popping or rumbling sounds mean sediment buildup is interfering with heating.
Fluctuating Water Temperatures – If your hot water supply is inconsistent, your heater may be struggling.
Slow Heating or Running Out of Hot Water Quickly – Sediment buildup can reduce heating efficiency.
Higher Energy Bills – A poorly maintained water heater uses more energy, increasing your utility costs.
Leaks or Moisture Around the Tank – Small leaks can quickly turn into major water damage.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a professional water heater service before a breakdown happens.
Why Regular Maintenance is Critical for Traditional Water Heaters
Prevents Sediment Buildup
Over time, minerals and sediment from your water supply settle at the bottom of the tank. This insulates the heating element, making the heater work harder and increasing wear and tear. Flushing the tank annually removes this buildup, restoring efficiency.
Extends Water Heater Lifespan
A well-maintained water heater can last 10-15 years or more, while neglected units often fail much sooner. Routine maintenance prevents rust, leaks, and overheating, helping you get the most out of your system.
Reduces Energy Costs
Sediment buildup and faulty components force your heater to work harder, consuming more energy. A properly serviced heater operates efficiently, keeping energy bills low.
Helps Prevent Emergency Breakdowns
Skipping maintenance increases the risk of unexpected failure, leaving you without hot water when you need it most. Regular inspections catch small issues before they become expensive problems.
Protects Your Home from Water Damage
A failing water heater can leak or even burst, causing costly water damage to your home. Preventative maintenance helps identify leaks or weaknesses early, reducing the risk of flooding.
Maintains Manufacturer Warranty
Many water heater manufacturers require annual maintenance for warranty coverage. If your unit fails due to neglect, you could be stuck paying out of pocket for a replacement.
What’s Included in a Professional Water Heater Maintenance Service?
At Garcia Plumbing Company, our comprehensive water heater tune-up includes:
✔ Flushing the Tank – Removes sediment buildup to restore efficiency.
✔ Inspecting & Testing the Anode Rod – Prevents internal tank corrosion.
✔ Checking the Pressure Relief Valve – Ensures safety by preventing excessive pressure buildup.
✔ Inspecting Gas Connections or Electrical Components – Ensures safe and efficient operation.
✔ Testing the Heating Element & Thermostat – Ensures proper water temperature regulation.
✔ Checking for Leaks & Corrosion – Identifies potential issues before they worsen.
How Often Should You Service Your Water Heater?
Experts recommend flushing and servicing your water heater every 12 months to maintain performance and extend its lifespan. However, if you have hard water, you may need servicing every 6-12 months due to increased mineral buildup.
Time for an Upgrade? Get $100 Off a New Water Heater(March 2025)
If your water heater is over 10 years old, inefficient, or requiring frequent repairs, it may be more cost-effective to replace it with a newer, energy-efficient model.
Right now, we’re offering $100 off water heater replacements for homeowners looking to upgrade.
Schedule Your Water Heater Service Today
Regular maintenance saves you money, prevents breakdowns, and extends the life of your water heater. Don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule a professional tune-up today.
📅 Book your water heater maintenance with Garcia Plumbing Company today!
📞 Call (415) 333-1737 to schedule your service.
🌐 Visit garciaplumbingcompany.com/contact to request an appointment.
Serving San Francisco, Pacific Heights, Nob Hill, SoMa, Sunset District, West Portal, and beyond.