Water Heater Maintenance

What is Preventative Maintenance (a.k.a. PM)?

Water Heater Preventative Maintenance: Semi-annual or annual pre-planned, routine maintenance appointment

You can think of PM like an oil change for your water heater; you wouldn't venture onto the open road without checking your car's oil, belts, and tires. Although water heaters are often forgotten until they stop working, PM means being proactive about your water heater, and investing in a regularly scheduled "water heater flush." 

Make Performance a Priority by Investing in Maintenance:

Make performance a priority in your home or business when you take advantage of our targeted water heater and boiler preventative maintenance programs. Regular water heater usage and hard water can lead to a build-up of sediment near the bottom of your tank. If deposits continue to accumulate, you could be facing equipment failure in the near future. Service technicians arrive on site with OEM replacement parts as a precautionary measure, in the event that some of the more commonly worn parts on your unit require replacement.

Maintenance Program Highlights

• Water Heater Inspection
• Leak & Damage Assessment
• Electrical Operations Check
• Basic Parts Cleaning or Replacement*

*Basic replacement parts included for select natural gas commercial units

• Flush to Remove Sediment

Example of a commercial water heater that leaked and required replacement due to lack of maintenance

The Value of Water Heater Maintenance 

Residential Water Heater Maintenance

Electric Water Heater | Natural Gas Water Heater | LP Water Heater

Preventative maintenance can help ensure your home's water heater is operating as safely and efficiently as possible. Tank type water heaters are subject to sediment build-up caused by the water heating process and minerals naturally found in the water (e.g., calcium and magnesium). 

Most water heaters include a sacrificial anode rod and a glass lining (A.O. Smith units) or lining of another material, which aim to protect the tank from sediment build-up. However, it is normal for water heaters to develop sediment build-up due to water quality and general use; the sediment typically gathers at the bottom of the unit, sometimes making it difficult for the burner assembly to heat the water efficiently and decreasing the integrity of the tank itself, increasing the risk of leaks.

Most manufacturers recommend beginning annual maintenance within the first two years of installation, starting with a "clean and flush" (i.e., running water and white vinegar or another manufacturer-approved solution) through the unit, performing safety checks, and part cleanings or replacement, as needed.

Tankless Water Heater Maintenance

Tankless Electric Water Heater | Tankless Gas Water Heater | LP Water Heater

Tankless water heater maintenance is essential to ensuring your investment in a tankless upgrade operates efficiently; it may also be required for warranty claims.  

Annual (or more frequent) maintenance is recommended by the major tankless manufacturers to remove sediment build-up on crucial components such as the heat exchanger and inlet water filters.

In some cases, manufacturers may even void a tankless water heater warranty due to improper maintenance or lack of maintenance. Some manufacturers also require proof of preventative maintenance to honor heat exchanger warranties and labor warranties.

Typical parts checks, cleanings, and replacements for tankless water heater maintenance include:

• Flame Rod
• Gaskets
• Ignitor
• Inlet Water Filter

Commercial Water Heater Maintenance

Commercial water heater maintenance is essential for medical facilities, restaurants, retirement homes, salons, and other businesses whose daily operations rely on hot water. An investment in professional maintenance is an investment in the ongoing operation of your water heater and commercial plumbing system.

Typical parts checks, cleanings, and replacements include:

• Commercial Gas Water Heaters:
• Anode Rods
• Blower Assembly
• Burner Assembly
• Flame Rod
• Gas Valve
• Gaskets
• Ignitor
• Commercial Electric Water Heaters:
• Heating Element
• Thermostat (T-Stat)

Our Water Heater Maintenance Service Area

Select your state and enter your zip code below to see if we offer water heater maintenance in your area! We currently provide water heater services in 15+ states. Our maintenance coverage range includes parts of the following: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.