Your water heater works tirelessly to provide hot showers, clean dishes, and sanitized laundry—but like any appliance, it needs regular care to avoid breakdowns and inefficiency. Neglecting maintenance can lead to costly repairs, soaring energy bills, and even premature replacement.
At A1 Best Plumbing, our Long Beach plumbing experts have handled hundreds of water heater repairs and replacements. In this guide, we’ll answer two critical questions homeowners often ask:
How often should you flush your water heater? and When should you replace the anode rod? We’ll also explain why professional maintenance from A1 Best Plumbing is key to maximizing your system’s lifespan.
Why Water Heater Maintenance Matters
Water heaters account for nearly 18% of a home’s energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Sediment buildup and corroded components force the system to work harder, reducing efficiency and raising utility costs. Regular flushing and anode rod replacement prevent these issues and safeguard your investment.
How Often Should You Flush Your Water Heater?
The Short Answer
Most manufacturers recommend flushing your water heater once a year. However, households with hard water (common in Long Beach) may need to flush their units every 6–8 months due to faster mineral accumulation.
What Happens If You Don’t Flush It?
Over time, sediment like calcium, magnesium, and sand settles at the tank’s bottom. This layer:
- Insulates the water from the burner or heating element, increasing energy use by up to 30%.
- Causes overheating and cracks in the tank.
- Leads to loud noises (banging or rumbling) as trapped steam bubbles through sediment.
Pro Tip from A1 Best Plumbing: If your hot water supply is inconsistent or discolored, it’s a sign that flushing is overdue.
How Our Long Beach Plumbing Experts Flush a Water Heater
While DIY tutorials exist, improper flushing can damage valves or leave sediment behind. Here’s our certified process:
- Turn off power (electric) or gas supply.
- Connect a hose to the drain valve and empty the tank.
- Refill and flush repeatedly until water runs clear.
- Inspect components for wear and test system pressure.
We also check for leaks, valve integrity, and thermostat calibration during the service.
When to Replace the Anode Rod: A Critical Defense Against Corrosion
What Does an Anode Rod Do?
The anode rod (aka sacrificial rod) attracts corrosive elements in water, protecting the tank’s steel lining. Without it, your water heater would rust from the inside out within years.
How Often Should You Replace It?
The anode rod typically lasts 3–5 years, but this varies based on:
- Water Quality: High mineral content (hard water) or sulfates accelerate corrosion.
- Usage: Larger households with high hot water demand wear rods faster.
- Material: Aluminum/zinc rods last longer in hard water; magnesium rods work better in soft water but degrade quickly.
Insight from A1 Best Plumbing: During annual maintenance, our technicians inspect the anode rod’s condition. If it’s less than ½ inch thick or coated in calcium, it’s time for a replacement.
Signs Your Anode Rod Needs Replacement
- Rust-colored water
- A rotten egg smell (caused by sulfur bacteria reacting to a depleted rod)
- Visible corrosion on the rod during inspection
Why Hire A1 Best Plumbing for Water Heater Maintenance?
- Precision and Safety
Flushing requires handling high-pressure systems, gas lines, or electrical components. Our licensed technicians follow OSHA-compliant safety protocols to prevent accidents.
- Long-Term Cost Savings
Regular maintenance can extend your water heater’s lifespan by 5–10 years, delaying the cost of a new unit ($1,200+).
- Efficiency Optimization
We calibrate thermostats, insulate pipes, and recommend energy-saving upgrades (e.g., tankless heaters), lowering your utility bills.
- Warranty Protection
Many manufacturers void warranties if unlicensed individuals perform maintenance.
Water Heater Maintenance Checklist from A1 Best Plumbing
Keep your system running smoothly with these tips:
✅ Flush the tank annually (or biannually for hard water).
✅ Replace the anode rod every 3–5 years.
✅ Test the pressure relief valve monthly.
✅ Set the thermostat to 120°F to reduce sediment buildup and scalding risks.
✅ Schedule professional inspections with A1 Best Plumbing to catch issues early.
FAQ: Water Heater Flushing and Anode Rod Replacement
Q: Can I replace the anode rod myself?
A: While possible, freeing a corroded rod often requires specialized tools. Our Long Beach plumbing team ensures proper installation without damaging the tank.
Q: How much does water heater maintenance cost?
A: A1 Best Plumbing offers affordable maintenance packages starting at $149, including flushing, anode rod inspection, and system testing—far cheaper than emergency repairs!
Q: Do tankless water heaters need maintenance?
A: Yes! They require annual descaling to remove mineral deposits. Ask us about our tankless service plans.
Q: What if my water heater is already leaking?
A: Leaks often indicate advanced corrosion. Contact A1 Best Plumbing immediately to assess whether repair or replacement is needed.
Don’t Wait for a Cold Shower—Call A1 Best Plumbing Today!
A neglected water heater doesn’t just fail—it fails spectacularly, often flooding your home and costing thousands in water damage repairs. At A1 Best Plumbing, our Long Beach plumbing experts make maintenance hassle-free with transparent pricing, same-day service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.