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Water Heater Maintenance

It’s the dead of winter, and your water heater stops working. That means no hot showers, no washing the dishes, no washing your whites and towels in the washing machine,...

February 16, 2019

Table of Contents

No Hot Water? How to Maintain & Upgrade Your Water Heater

It’s the dead of winter, and your water heater stops working. Suddenly, you’re left with:

🚫 No hot showers
🚫 No warm water for washing dishes
🚫 No hot water for laundry
🚫 No effective handwashing with warm water

What do you do? It might be time to invest in a new water heater—but before that happens, let’s go over some simple maintenance tips to prevent breakdowns and extend the life of your water heater.

How to Keep Your Water Heater Running Efficiently

Water heaters are fairly low maintenance, but following these steps will help you save money and avoid unexpected failures.

✅ Insulate to Reduce Heat Loss

✔️ Foam pipe insulation prevents condensation and keeps heat from escaping.
✔️ Insulating the heater itself helps maintain water temperature longer and lowers energy costs.

✅ Set the Right Temperature

✔️ Lowering the thermostat will reduce energy consumption and save you money.
✔️ If you’re away from home for a few days, lower the temperature or turn off the water heater to avoid unnecessary heating.

Annual Water Heater Maintenance Tips

To keep your water heater in top condition, perform these simple maintenance tasks at least once per year:

✔️ Flush sediment from the tank – Over time, minerals and debris can build up, reducing efficiency.
✔️ Check the anode rod – This rod prevents rust from forming inside the tank. If it’s corroded, replace it to extend your water heater’s lifespan.

By staying proactive, you can avoid costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns.

Considering an Upgrade? Try a Tankless Water Heater!

If it’s time for a replacement, consider switching to a tankless water heater.

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters:

💧 On-demand hot water – No waiting for a tank to refill!
💧 More energy-efficient – Only heats water when you need it, rather than continuously maintaining a hot water supply.
💧 Longer lifespan – Tankless systems last longer than traditional water heaters.

Need Help? Call the Water Heater Experts!

Whether you need water heater maintenance, repair, or installation, Finken’s experts are here to help!