Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Your water heater works hard—especially during Colorado winters. With proper maintenance, you can extend its lifespan, improve efficiency, and avoid unexpected cold showers. Here's what Douglas County homeowners should know.

Why Water Heater Maintenance Matters

The average water heater lasts 10-15 years, but without maintenance, you might be replacing yours much sooner. Douglas County's hard water accelerates sediment buildup, which reduces efficiency and can cause premature failure.

Regular maintenance can:

• Extend your water heater's lifespan by 2-5 years
• Reduce energy bills by maintaining efficiency
• Prevent unexpected breakdowns
• Maintain your warranty coverage

Annual Maintenance Tasks

1. Flush the Tank

Sediment from Douglas County's hard water settles at the bottom of your tank. This layer of sediment makes your water heater work harder and can cause rumbling noises.

How to flush:

1. Turn off the gas or electricity to the water heater
2. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve
3. Run the hose to a floor drain or outside
4. Open the drain valve and let water flow until clear
5. Close the valve and refill the tank before turning power back on

Pro tip: If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, our Castle Rock plumbers can handle it during an annual maintenance visit.

2. Test the Pressure Relief Valve

The temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve is a safety device that prevents your tank from over-pressurizing. Test it annually.

How to test:

1. Place a bucket under the discharge pipe
2. Lift the lever on the T&P valve briefly
3. Water should flow out and stop when you release the lever
4. If it doesn't work properly, call a plumber

3. Check the Anode Rod

The anode rod protects your tank from corrosion by attracting minerals in the water. Once it's depleted, your tank will start to rust.

Checking the anode rod requires removing it from the top of the tank. If it's less than ½ inch thick or coated with calcium, it should be replaced. Most homeowners prefer to have a plumber handle this.

4. Inspect for Leaks

Regularly check around your water heater for signs of moisture or corrosion. Pay attention to:

• Connections at the top of the tank
• The T&P valve and discharge pipe
• The drain valve at the bottom
• The base of the tank

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Professional Attention

Some issues require a professional plumber. Call us if you notice:

• Rusty water – Could indicate a failing anode rod or tank corrosion
• Rumbling or banging noises – Sediment buildup heating and popping
• Inconsistent temperatures – Thermostat or heating element issues
• Leaks around the tank – Could be a minor fix or sign of tank failure
• Age over 10 years – Time to start planning for replacement

Tank vs. Tankless: Maintenance Differences

Tankless water heaters have become popular in Douglas County homes. While they require less maintenance than tank heaters, they're not maintenance-free.

Tankless maintenance includes:

• Annual descaling (especially important with hard water)
• Filter cleaning every few months
• Professional inspection every 1-2 years

Colorado-Specific Considerations

Living in Douglas County means dealing with:

• Hard water – More frequent flushing may be needed
• High altitude – Water boils at lower temperatures, affecting efficiency
• Cold winters – Higher demand on your water heater