The work · Maintenance
Water Heater Maintenance — Extend Your Water Heater's Life by 5+ Years
Most water heaters fail years before they should because of neglected maintenance. A simple annual service visit can add 3-5 years to your water heater's lifespan, improve efficiency, and prevent costly emergency breakdowns.
Call anytime — emergencies get answered, day or night.
(603) 440-8113 A real person answers · Not a call treeWhat's Included in Our Maintenance Service
Our comprehensive maintenance visit covers every aspect of your water heater's health. Here's what we do during each visit.
1. Tank Flushing: We drain and flush the tank to remove sediment buildup, the primary cause of reduced efficiency and premature failure. In southern NH, where some areas have harder water, regular flushing is especially important. Sediment acts as an insulator, forcing your water heater to work harder and use more energy. A clean tank heats water faster and lasts longer.
2. Anode Rod Inspection: The anode rod is a sacrificial metal rod that protects your tank from corrosion. We pull and inspect the rod to check its condition. A depleted anode rod means your tank is now corroding, and once the tank starts to rust, it can't be fixed. Replacing a $30-60 anode rod can prevent a $1,500+ water heater replacement.
3. T&P Valve Testing: The temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve is your water heater's primary safety device. If pressure or temperature exceeds safe limits, this valve opens to prevent a catastrophic failure. We test the valve to ensure it opens and closes properly, and replace it if it's stuck, corroded, or leaking.
4. Thermostat & Connections Check: We verify your thermostat is set to the optimal temperature (typically 120 degrees F), check all gas and water connections for leaks, inspect the venting system for proper draft and clearances, and examine the burner assembly (gas units) or heating elements (electric units) for signs of wear.
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Maintenance Now
Don't wait for a complete failure. If you notice any of these signs, it's time to schedule a maintenance visit.
Your water heater is making popping, rumbling, or banging noises; Your hot water has a slight rust color or metallic taste; Your water isn't getting as hot as it used to; Your energy bills have gradually increased without explanation; You see moisture or minor dripping around the base of the unit; It's been more than 2 years since your last maintenance service; Your water heater is over 5 years old and has never been flushed.
Sound like your basement? Call (603) 440-8113 — straight diagnosis, written quote, no pressure.
Fair questions
Maintenance questions, answered straight
How often should I have my water heater serviced?
We recommend annual maintenance for all water heater types. This includes flushing the tank to remove sediment, inspecting the anode rod, testing the temperature and pressure relief valve, and checking all connections. Annual service can extend your water heater's life by 3-5 years and keep it running efficiently.
What happens if I never flush my water heater?
Sediment, mainly calcium and mineral deposits from your water supply, gradually builds up at the bottom of your tank. This layer of sediment acts as an insulator between the burner and the water, forcing your water heater to work harder and use more energy. Over time, it can cause overheating, cracking, and premature tank failure. In areas with hard water (common in parts of southern NH), this process accelerates.
What is an anode rod and why does it matter?
The anode rod is a sacrificial metal rod inside your water heater tank. Its job is to corrode instead of your tank, it attracts the corrosive elements in your water so they attack the rod rather than the tank walls. Once the anode rod is completely corroded, your tank becomes vulnerable. Checking and replacing the anode rod is the single most important thing you can do to extend your water heater's life.
How much does water heater maintenance cost?
A standard annual water heater maintenance visit typically costs $100-$200, depending on the type of unit and what's needed. An anode rod replacement, if required, adds $150-$300. Compared to the cost of a premature water heater replacement ($1,400-$5,600), annual maintenance is a very smart investment.
Can I flush my water heater myself?
You can do a basic drain-and-flush yourself, but there are important safety considerations, especially with gas water heaters. You need to know how to properly shut off the gas, manage the temperature, and handle the hot water safely. If you're not comfortable with the process, or if your water heater hasn't been flushed in several years, we recommend having a professional do it. Heavy sediment buildup can clog the drain valve.
Do tankless water heaters need maintenance too?
Yes. Tankless water heaters need annual descaling, flushing the heat exchanger with a vinegar solution to remove mineral buildup. In areas with hard water, this is especially important. Neglecting descaling can reduce efficiency, trigger error codes, and eventually damage the heat exchanger, which is the most expensive component in the unit.
The rest of the ledger
Other work the shop does
Tank at end of life? Right-sized replacement, installed to code, permit pulled — most days, same day.
RepairNo hot water this morning? Diagnosed straight — repaired if it'll hold, replaced only if it won't.
TanklessEndless hot water off the wall — Navien and Rinnai units sized for New Hampshire winters.
Heat pumpTwo to three times cheaper to run, with the NHSaves rebate paperwork handled start to finish.
Cold shower to hot water — one call.
(603) 440-8113You'll talk to the shop. Not a national installer program.
Emergencies · Answered day or night