What Upkeep Do Water Heaters Need?

You can handle some upkeep yourself; other work needs a pro

water heater Wading River, NY Few things derail a morning quite like stepping into the shower only to have the hot water disappear on you. To keep your household running smoothly, you need a water heater that’s consistently up to the task. These systems can also account for nearly one-fifth of your home’s total energy consumption, so keeping yours running efficiently has a direct impact on your monthly costs. The good news is that a little regular attention goes a long way. Here’s a look at what you can do yourself and where the hot water pros at Burt’s Reliable come in.

Get More Out of Your Settings

A few simple thermostat adjustments can meaningfully reduce your water heater’s energy consumption and wear without any noticeable sacrifice in comfort:

Set your temperature to 120°F. Most water heaters ship with a factory default of 140°F, but 120°F is more than sufficient for household use. It reduces energy consumption, lowers the risk of accidental scalding and still effectively eliminates bacteria.
Use vacation mode when you travel. Before leaving home for an extended trip, switch your water heater to vacation mode or dial it down to its lowest setting. There’s no reason to keep heating water to full temperature when nobody’s home.

Flush Your Tank Once a Year

Sediment from minerals in your water supply gradually accumulates at the bottom of your tank, reducing efficiency and accelerating corrosion over time. Flushing the tank annually keeps things clean and extends your system’s lifespan. Here’s how to do it:

Switch the burner to “Off” to protect the unit during draining.
Close the cold water supply valve above the tank.
Attach a hose to the drain valve and direct it to a utility sink, floor drain or outside.
Open a hot water tap in your home to prevent a vacuum from forming in the tank.
Open the drain valve and allow the tank to empty— the water will be hot, so use caution.
Once drained, reopen the supply valve to flush remaining sediment through with fresh water.
When the water running through the hose is mostly clear, close the drain valve and remove the hose.
Allow the tank to refill fully, then close your hot water tap and restore the burner to its normal setting.

Schedule Annual Service with Burt’s Reliable

Most homeowners are diligent about annual furnace and boiler tune-ups but overlook the water heater. A yearly professional inspection is an opportunity to check the burner, test critical components and make sure everything is operating safely and efficiently. Regular professional maintenance can meaningfully extend the life of your system and catch small issues before they become expensive ones. For homeowners in Wading River and throughout Suffolk County, Burt’s Reliable is the team to call.

Is It Time for a New Water Heater? Talk to Burt’s Today!

If your water heater is approaching or past the 10-year mark, it may be time to start thinking about a replacement before a breakdown forces your hand. Burt’s Reliable installs high-efficiency water heaters, including indirect-fired models that can produce large volumes of hot water at a remarkably low operating cost.

Reach out to us today, and we’ll help you find the right upgrade for your home and budget.