Water Heater Maintenance: Easy Tips for Spokane Homeowners
Water heater maintenance keeps your home cozy and your bills low. Skipping upkeep leads to high energy costs and cold showers. In this guide, you’ll find quick DIY tips for maintaining your water heater. Follow along to save money and boost efficiency.
Quick Glance: Project Overview
Skill Level: Easy
Estimated Time: 1–2 hours
Ideal For: Spokane homeowners who want lower bills & a longer-lasting water heater
Why Water Heater Maintenance Matters
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Save energy. Regular maintenance cuts power use.
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Extend appliance life. Small checks prevent big failures.
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Fewer breakdowns. Catch issues early.
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Stat: Flushing yearly can cut sediment by up to 20% and boost efficiency by 10%.
Understand Your Water Heater
Types of Water Heaters
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Tank: Common in Spokane. Stores hot water in a tank.
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Tankless: Heats on demand. Saves space.
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Heat Pump: Uses ambient air to heat water.
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Solar: Uses sun power. Eco-friendly.
Key Components
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Anode rod: Stops tank corrosion.
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TPR valve: Releases pressure to keep you safe.
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Dip tube: Sends cold water down into the tank.
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Heating element / gas burner: Heats the water.
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Thermostat: Controls water temperature.
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Maintenance
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Rusty or discolored water
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Rumbling or banging noises
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Water leaks around the base
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Hot water runs out fast
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Your energy bills keep rising
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
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Garden hose
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Bucket
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Pipe wrench
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1 1/16-inch socket wrench
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Teflon tape
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Replacement anode rod (optional)
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Insulation blanket or pipe foam
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Gloves & goggles
Safety First: Pre-Maintenance Precautions
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Turn off power (electric) or gas supply.
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Let the tank cool for at least an hour.
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Shut off the cold-water supply.
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Ensure proper ventilation (for gas models).
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Wear gloves and goggles.
Step-by-Step Water Heater Maintenance Checklist
1. Test the TPR Valve
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Lift the valve handle.
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Water should rush out and stop when you let go.
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Replace if it leaks or won’t open.
2. Inspect & Replace the Anode Rod
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Locate on top of the tank.
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Unscrew with a socket wrench.
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If it’s corroded more than 50%, swap it out.
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A new rod costs $20–$40 and protects your tank.
3. Flush the Tank to Remove Sediment
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Attach garden hose to drain valve.
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Open valve and drain into bucket or floor drain.
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Close valve and refill tank.
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Do this every year.
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If water stays cloudy, drain again until clear.
4. Adjust the Thermostat Temperature
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Aim for 120 °F.
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Lower temps save energy and slow mineral buildup.
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Each 10 °F drop can cut bills by 3–5%.
Insulate for Extra Efficiency
Insulating the Tank
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Wrap a water heater blanket around the tank.
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Don’t cover burner access or controls on gas models.
Insulating the Pipes
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Slip pipe foam on hot and cold lines.
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Seal seams with Teflon tape.
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Cuts standby heat loss.
DIY vs. Professional Maintenance: What to Delegate
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DIY: Flushing, testing TPR, adjusting thermostat.
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Pro: Replacing anode rod if you’re unsure, fixing major leaks, heating element repair.
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Note: Gas units need an annual pro inspection for safety.
Common Water Heater Problems & Fixes
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Leaks: Tighten connections or replace valves.
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Rusty water: Swap the anode rod.
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Noisy tank: Flush to clear sediment.
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No hot water: Check thermostat and flush tank.
Best Practices to Extend Lifespan
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Flush annually.
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Replace anode rod every 3–5 years.
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Turn down temp when away.
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Use a water softener if you have hard water.
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Keep the area clear and dust-free.
When to Replace Your Water Heater
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Over 10–15 years old.
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Frequent breakdowns.
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Visible rust or leaks on the tank.
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Sharp rise in energy bills.
Conclusion
Regular water heater maintenance is worth the time. Small tasks now mean big savings later. A little care gives you years of hot showers and lower bills.
FAQ Section
How often should I flush my water heater?
Once a year for most homes. More often if water is hard.
Can I maintain a tankless water heater the same way?
Tankless units need de-liming, not flushing. Follow the maker’s guide.
Is there any warranty?
JLR Plumbing provides 6 year Warranty on heaters
