Hot Water Heater Maintenance in Las Vegas NV – Expert Tips from Best Air Conditioning and Plumbing

Regular hot water heater maintenance extends the life of your system, improves energy efficiency, and prevents unexpected breakdowns. Whether you have a tankless, gas, or electric water heater, homeowners in Las Vegas, NV, can follow these expert tips from BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair to keep their system running smoothly year-round.

Why Hot Water Heater Maintenance is Essential in Las Vegas, NV

Routine water heater maintenance is critical to ensuring your water heater operates smoothly. In Las Vegas’s desert climate, a reliable hot water supply is vital for year-round home comfort. Water heater maintenance enhances energy efficiency, reducing homeowners’ utility bills. It also helps extend the lifespan of your water heater and enables you to avoid costly repairs. Minimize the risk of leaks and water damage by scheduling annual water heater maintenance in Las Vegas. Annual maintenance prevents sediment buildup and system wear from hard water.

How Often Should You Perform Hot Water Heater Maintenance?

It’s recommended to schedule annual water heater maintenance to ensure your system stays in working order. Manufacturer guidelines may vary, but in general, it’s good to have your unit serviced at least once a year.

Some tasks, like flushing the system, may be needed quarterly, especially in hard water areas like Las Vegas. Contact us for professional maintenance recommendations.

Tankless Hot Water Heater Maintenance: What Las Vegas Homeowners Need to Know

Flush the system to remove scale buildup

It’s important to flush your tankless water heater at least once a year to remove scale buildup. This is particularly important in hard water zones, as buildup can occur quickly and impact your system’s lifespan. Use a descaling solution (vinegar-based or manufacturer-approved cleaner) to break down calcium and magnesium deposits.

Clean the air and water filters

Dirty filters restrict water flow and decrease efficiency. That’s why you should schedule filter cleaning or replacement every 6 months for your tankless water heater. Remove and rinse the water inlet filter and clean the air intake filter, inspecting them for signs of wear and tear. Then reinstall the filters securely.

Inspect the venting system

Proper ventilation is crucial to the safety and efficiency of your water heater. Ensure there are no blockages or signs of corrosion. Also, check vent pipes for signs of damage or leaks.

Gas Water Heater Maintenance Tips for Las Vegas Homes

Check and test the temperature and pressure relief valve

Test the temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve) regularly to keep your system safe and prevent tank explosions. Simply open and close the valve to ensure water flows through the discharge pipe. Replace the valve if it won’t open or shut properly or shows signs of corrosion.

Inspect and clean the burner and pilot light

For a gas water heater, you must check the burner and pilot light regularly. Remove any soot and debris buildup on the burner assembly to promote proper airflow and combustion. Check the pilot light flame color to ensure it burns blue. A blue flame indicates efficient burn, whereas a yellow or orange flame can indicate incomplete combustion.

Drain and flush the tank

With a traditional gas water heater, you should drain and flush the tank at least annually to remove sediment that settles at the bottom. Flushing the tank improves heating efficiency and helps extend the unit’s lifespan.

Inspect the sacrificial anode (anode rod) in your heater tank

You should also check the sacrificial anode rod each year to prevent internal tank corrosion. The anode rod attracts minerals and corrosive elements in the water to prevent corrosion of the tank’s lining. If the anode rod is heavily worn or thin, it’s time to replace it to extend your water heater tank’s life.

Electric Water Heater Maintenance Guidelines from BEST Air Conditioning and Plumbing

Disconnect power before servicing

When dealing with electrical elements in your water heater, disconnect the power before servicing it. This ensures you stay safe from electrocution or other electrical hazards.

Inspect and replace heating elements if damaged

If you notice damaged heating elements when inspecting your water heater, replace them promptly. Faulty elements lead to inconsistent water temperatures, higher energy bills, and increased strain on your system.

Test the thermostat

A malfunctioning thermostat can lead to water that’s too cold, too hot, or inconsistent. Test the thermostat and adjust or replace it if water isn’t reaching your desired temperature.  Whether you require thermostat repair, replacement, or installation, our team is proud to serve Las Vegas and surrounding areas with these top-rated services.

Signs Your Water Heater Tank Needs Immediate Maintenance

There are a handful of warning signs your water tank needs maintenance, including:

• Rumbling or popping noises during operation
• Discolored or rusty water
• Low hot water availability
• Leaks around the base of the unit
• Foul-smelling water

If you notice any of the signs, give BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair a call for professional water heater maintenance services in Las Vegas.

DIY vs. Professional Water Heater Maintenance in Las Vegas, NV

Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your water heater in good shape. Not all tasks are DIY though. So, what water heater maintenance tasks can be done by homeowners?

• Basic flushing
• Damage inspections
• Cleaning or replacing filters
• Checking flame color and thermostat settings

What tasks should be handled by licensed plumbers?

• Electrical diagnostics
• Gas line repairs or adjustments
• Burner, pilot light, or thermocouple replacement
• Anode rod replacement
• Annual professional inspections

BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair offers annual inspection and maintenance plans for customers in Las Vegas and surrounding areas.

Local Water Conditions and How They Impact Hot Water Heater Maintenance

Las Vegas has hard water with high mineral content which accelerates sediment buildup in tanks and scaling in tankless units. Frequent flushing and descaling are crucial maintenance tasks for hot water heaters in Las Vegas.

Hot Water Heater Maintenance Checklist for Las Vegas, NV Homes
Follow this checklist to keep your water heater running optimally year-round:

• Complete an annual flushing and inspection
• Check the sacrificial anode rod, heater tank, and valves for wear or leaks
• Verify thermostat settings, safety controls, and burner or element performance
• Schedule professional service if you notice unusual noises, odors, or temperature changes

Schedule Your Hot Water Heater Maintenance With BEST Air Conditioning and Plumbing Today
BEST proudly serves Las Vegas, Paradise, Spring Valley, Henderson, and other surrounding areas. If you need a water heater tune-up or tank cleaning, we’ve got you covered. With same-day appointments available, you can get your water heater serviced in no time.

Call us at (702) 970-4911 or contact us online for pricing and scheduling!