Why it matters
Every tank-style heater collects sediment. In hard-water areas like Richmond Hill, minerals settle on the tank bottom, where they insulate the water from the burner or elements. The heater works harder, makes rumbling noises and loses efficiency. Over time sediment and corrosion shorten the tank's life.
A few simple tasks reduce those problems. If your heater is rented, check your agreement first, as the rental company may handle maintenance and prefer you not to.
Step by step
- Look around the tank. Check for water on the floor, rust at the base, or corrosion at pipe connections.
- Test the relief valve. Place a bucket under the discharge pipe and lift the temperature and pressure relief valve lever briefly. Water should flow, then stop when released. If it keeps dripping, call a plumber.
- Flush sediment. Set the gas control to its pilot position, or cut an electric heater's breaker. Couple a length of hose to the tank spigot, lay its end over the floor drain, and drain a few litres or until the water runs clear.
- Check the temperature. Around 49°C (120°F) at the tap balances comfort with reduced scalding risk.
- Keep the area clear. Gas heaters need air for combustion; do not store items against them.
- Check the venting. For gas units, make sure vent pipes are secure and exterior terminations are clear of snow and debris.
Warning signs
- Rumbling, popping or knocking from the tank
- Hot taps running tea-coloured
- Damp concrete under the heater
- Showers going cold earlier than they once did
- A relief valve that drips continuously
- A tank whose date code shows it has passed its first decade
The anode rod
Inside most tank heaters is an anode rod, a metal rod that corrodes in place of the tank lining. Once it is used up, the tank itself begins to rust. Checking and replacing the anode every few years can extend a tank's life significantly, especially in hard or softened water. Removing it can be difficult and requires care, so many homeowners leave this step to a plumber during an annual service.
Write the date of each flush and inspection on a label stuck to the tank. It makes tracking maintenance easy.
When to call a plumber
Ring us if the tank leaks, the relief valve misbehaves, the pilot keeps going out, or there is a gas odour near the heater (in that last case, get everyone outside and phone the gas utility before anyone else). Hard water is the main enemy here, so water softener installation is worth considering. Dripping hot taps also waste heated water; a faucet repair is a quick win.
Planning a basement bathroom? Read basement bathroom planning to see how added fixtures affect hot water demand. We serve all of Richmond Hill, including Bayview Glen.
Keep-handy checklist
- Pull the pop-up stopper and clear the hair every couple of months
- Pour a pail into the sump pit before the thaw and watch it cycle
- Close the inside valve for the hose bib before the first frost
- Keep fat in a tin, not down the kitchen sink
Your questions, answered plainly
Is there a schedule for draining sediment from the tank?
Every twelve months or so is a good habit, especially in hard-water areas.
Should I flush a very old tank?
Flushing an old, never-maintained tank can sometimes disturb sediment and cause a valve to leak. Ask a plumber first.
Can I maintain a rented heater?
Check your rental agreement. Many rental companies handle maintenance themselves.