Hot Water Heater Care: Keep the Warmth Flowing

Nothing ruins a morning like a cold shower. Most of the time a hot water heater just needs a little love to stay reliable. Below you’ll find the basics you can do yourself, plus signs that it’s time to call a pro.

Every‑Month Quick Check

Start with a visual scan. Look for obvious leaks around the tank, the pressure‑relief valve, and the connections. If you see any water, tighten the fittings or call a technician – a small leak can become a big flood.

Next, listen for odd noises. A rumbling or banging tank often means sediment has built up. That sediment not only makes noise, it reduces heating efficiency.

Flushing the Tank

Flushing clears the sediment. Turn off the power or gas, close the cold‑water inlet, and attach a garden hose to the drain valve. Open the valve and let the water run until it’s clear. Close the valve, remove the hose, reopen the inlet, and let the tank refill. This simple job can add years to your heater’s life.

If you’re not comfortable with the steps, a quick call to Bridgewater Appliance Fixers can get it done safely.

Now, onto the element – the part that actually heats the water. A failing element is the most common reason for lukewarm showers. When the element goes bad, you’ll notice slower heating, occasional tripping of the breaker, or a burning smell.

To test it, turn off the power at the breaker, remove the access panel, and use a multimeter set to ohms. A healthy element reads around 10–30 ohms; infinite resistance means it’s busted. Replacing an element is a DIY job if you’re handy, but always double‑check the power is off.

Sometimes the heater just trips the reset button on the thermostat. Pressing it for a few seconds usually restores heat, but if it trips again, there’s an underlying issue – often a faulty thermostat or a shorted element. Never keep resetting without finding the cause.

Safety first: when resetting, many wonder whether to turn off the breaker. It’s best practice to switch off the breaker, wait a minute, then turn it back on. This lets any residual charge drain and prevents a false reset.

Other red flags include a pilot light that won’t stay lit (gas heaters), rust on the tank, or a sudden drop in hot‑water output. These tell you the tank may be nearing the end of its lifespan, typically 8‑12 years for most residential units.

When you see any of these signs, schedule a professional inspection. Bridgewater Appliance Fixers offers fast diagnostics, part replacement, and full‑system checks. We’ll tell you whether a repair makes sense or if a new tank is the smarter move.

Bottom line: a quick visual check, an annual flush, and occasional element testing keep most heaters humming. If you spot leaks, persistent noises, or repeated reset trips, don’t wait – call us. A well‑maintained hot water heater means warm showers, lower energy bills, and peace of mind.