UBCNews - Business - Water Heater Maintenance: AL Experts Reveal 5 Key Benefits

Episode Date: February 25, 2026

Welcome back, everyone! Today we're talking about something that probably doesn't cross your mind very often - until it breaks down in the middle of winter. We're talking about water heater maintenance. And joining me is someone who knows this topic inside and out. Thanks for being here. Engle Services City: Sylacauga Address: 40300 U.S. 280 Website: https://engleservicesheatingandair.com/

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're talking about something that probably doesn't cross your mind very often, until it breaks down in the middle of winter. We're talking about water heater maintenance, and joining me as someone who knows this topic inside and out. Thanks for being here. Happy to be here. You know, that's exactly right. Most people don't think about their water heater until there's no hot water for their morning shower. But regular maintenance? It can save you a ton of headaches and money down the road. So let's jump right in. What are the real benefits homeowners should know about maintaining their water heater? Great question. There are five key benefits that really stand out. First, you're extending the life of the appliance. A well-maintained water heater can last several years longer than one that's neglected.

Second, efficiency. When your unit operates at peak efficiency, it uses less energy, which means lower electricity or fuel costs every month. Lower bills, I mean, that's something everyone can get behind. Definitely. The third benefit is water quality. Proper care removes sediment buildup and corrosion, which actually improves the taste and feel of your water. Fourth, you're preventing bigger problems. Catching minor issues early saves you from expensive repairs or full replacements later.

And fifth, safety. Regular maintenance helps prevent potential electrical and gas issues in your home. Amem, that's important. So we're talking about money, safety, and quality, three things that really matter. What does this maintenance actually look like? I imagine most homeowners have no idea where to start. Right, so let me break down the essential tasks. For storage water heaters, you should flush the entire tank at least once a year. If you live in a hard water area, you might consider flushing every six months, or even draining a quart of water from the tank every three months to help clear out sediment that settles at the bottom. And every year, check the

temperature and pressure relief valve. That's your T&P valve. It's a critical safety device. And what happens if that valve isn't working properly? If the T&P valve fails, the tank can overpressurize and, uh, in extreme cases, explode. So yeah, you want to make sure that's functioning. You simply lift the lever to open and close it a few times to ensure water discharges. Now if it drips afterward, that often means your water pressure is too high or you need a thermal expansion tank installed. Got it. What else should be on the checklist? Inspect the anode rod annually and replace it every three to five years, or sooner if it shows significant wear. This is a sacrificial component. It's designed to attract corrosive elements like minerals and salts in your water supply.

Basically, it sacrifices itself to protect the tank from corrosion. Once the rod deteriorates or you see several inches of exposed core wire, it needs replacing. That point about sacrificial protection really sets up our next piece, recognizing warning signs, but first, a quick word from our sponsor. For keeping your home comfortable year round, the team at Ingalls Services has central Alabama covered. They offer expert heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing services, throughout Birmingham and beyond. Whether you need routine maintenance, repairs,

or emergency call-outs, their technicians provide prompt professional in-home assessments in line with industry standards. Find them online at ingleservicesheating and air.com. Picking up on that sacrificial protection idea, how do homeowners know when their water heater actually needs professional service? There are some common warning signs to watch for.

If your water is too hot or too cold, that's often a thermostat issue, sometimes as simple as an adjustment. Leaks or drips around the unit are red flags. Ignoring them can lead to significant damage and costly repairs. Strange noises like popping or rumbling usually means sediment has built up in the tank. I see, interesting. Discolored water is another one. Rusty or murky water often signals corrosion inside the tank. and if you're running out of hot water faster than usual,

the heating elements might be failing or sediment is taking up space in the tank. Any of these signs? Time to call in a pro. So to everyone listening, have you checked your water heater lately? Because here's the thing, most tank water heaters need flushing at least once per year.

If you're in a hard water area, you'll need to do it more often since hard water has higher mineral content. Exactly. And flushing isn't complicated, but it does require some care. You turn off the power or gas, attach a garden hose to the drain valve,

and let the water and sediment flow out until it runs clear. Just make sure the tank is completely full before turning the power back on, especially with electric heaters. If there's not enough water around the heating element, it'll burn out. That's a costly mistake to avoid.

Now I'm curious. Can homeowners handle all this themselves or should they bring in a professional? A bit of both. Simple tasks like flushing the tank or testing the T&P valve? Many homeowners can handle those with the right instructions. But for things like a node rod replacement or if you're uncomfortable working with gas or electricity, definitely call a qualified plumbing and heating contractor.

Proper installation and maintenance are vital for optimizing energy efficiency and safety. Right. And I think it's worth mentioning. The lowest-priced water heater might seem like a deal, but it could be the most expensive to operate and make. maintain over its lifetime, you get what you pay for. 100%. I actually had a client once who bought the cheapest unit on the market, thought he was being smart. Within two years, they were spending so much on repairs and high energy bills that they wished

they'd invested in a better model from the start. Quality and maintenance go hand in hand. That's a perfect example. And honestly, ignoring your water heater is a bit like ignoring that check engine light. It's not going to fix itself, right? Huh, exactly, and usually gets more expensive the longer you wait. So let's recap the five benefits one more time, extending the appliances life, improving efficiency and lowering costs, better water quality, preventing expensive repairs and boosting home safety. Put another way, regular maintenance saves you money, keeps your water clean, and protects your home. Together, these make a pretty strong case. They really do. And honestly, the time and effort you put into maintenance now pays off in reliability,

savings and peace of mind. Well said, thanks so much for breaking all this down today. For everyone listening, don't wait until you're stuck with cold showers to think about your water heater. A little prevention really does go a long way. Absolutely. Thanks for having you.