Why Routine Maintenance Prevents Emergency Water Heater Failures

Posted in Hot Water Heater Repairs , on July 07, 2025

Imagine stepping into a cold shower on a morning when you were just craving the relief of a hot, steaming shower. This is the reality of those who are experiencing emergency water heater failure. The inconvenience of a broken water heater goes beyond the inability to shower comfortably; it also prevents you from being able to cook, clean or wash your laundry. This is why water heater maintenance is so essential; it can prevent the need for water heater repair down the line and can help increase the useful life of your water heater. If you are looking for a reputable plumber in Boca Raton for water heater repair, contact Broward Plumbing today.

Common Causes of Water Heater Failure

water heater repair There are a variety of factors that can cause your water heater to fail. Some common causes of water heater damage include:

Sediment Buildup: Over time, it is possible that naturally occurring minerals in water settle to the bottom of your tank. This buildup is known as sediment and can contribute to an overheating tank, which can lead to failure.
Corroded Anode Rods: The anode rod is a piece of metal inside your water heater tank that is meant to take corrosive damage so the tank itself doesn’t have to. However, once this rod corrodes completely, your water tank will begin to take damage from rusting and corrosion.
Faulty Heating Element: The heating element is the primary component that heats the water in the tank. When this heating element is broken, faulty or corroded, it will fail to heat your water.

What Routine Maintenance Involves

There are a few tasks that you can conduct regularly to help promote the health and longevity of your water heater.

Flushing the Tank

Flushing your water heater periodically can help get rid of sediment that has accumulated at the bottom of your tank. You simply turn off the heat to your tank, let the water cool, attach a hose and let the water out into a tub or sink. You should do this at least once a year. This will prevent your tank from overheating and failing.

Inspecting for Rust or Corrosion

Inspecting for rust or corrosion helps identify early signs of tank deterioration, which can lead to leaks or complete system failure if left untreated. Corrosion often starts on the exterior, but can quickly spread and weaken the structure. Catching it early allows for minor repairs instead of costly replacements.

Replacing and Checking the Anode Rod

Checking the anode rod for severe deterioration will help reduce tank corrosion and rusting. Simply inspect the anode rod every 6 months to a year and replace it whenever it is damaged. This will prevent your tank from deteriorating over time and can prevent water heater failure as a result.

Avoid Water Heater Repair with Routine Maintenance

Routine water heater maintenance can help prevent severe damage to your water heater tank over time. Preventing sediment buildup, corrosion, and overheating is the key to extending the life of your water heater and avoiding costly repairs and replacements. In the event that you do not know how to maintain your water heater, contact Broward Plumbing’s reputable plumbers in Boca Raton for routine water heater maintenance. Call today to get started!