Austin Water Heater Maintenance: Extend the Life of Your Tankless or Tank-Style Heater

Austin’s water is notoriously hard, meaning it contains high mineral content that can quickly build up inside your water heater. Whether you have a traditional tank-style heater or a modern tankless system, regular maintenance is essential to keep hot water flowing efficiently and to avoid premature failure. In this guide, we’ll walk through key maintenance tasks for Austin homeowners and show you how to extend the life of your water heater.

Know Your Water Heater: Tank vs. Tankless

Understanding which type of water heater you own is the first step toward proper care. Tank-style heaters store and heat 30–80 gallons of water at all times. They’re subject to sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank, which insulates the burner and reduces efficiency. Tankless heaters heat water on demand using a heat exchanger. While they lack storage, they can accumulate scale on internal coils, especially in areas with hard water. Both types require routine maintenance.

Flush and Descale Regularly

Over time, minerals in Austin’s water settle inside your tank or accumulate on a tankless heat exchanger. For tank-style units, draining a few gallons from the bottom of the tank every six months and performing a full flush annually removes sediment before it hardens. For tankless models, manufacturers recommend professional descaling every 12 months—sometimes more often depending on usage and water hardness. Descaling uses a pump to circulate a mild acid through the heat exchanger, dissolving scale and restoring flow.

Inspect and Replace the Anode Rod

Tank-style heaters contain a sacrificial anode rod—usually magnesium or aluminum—that corrodes over time to protect the steel tank. In Austin’s mineral-rich water, anodes can erode quickly. Check the rod every 2–3 years (or more often if you have softened water) and replace it when more than 50% is gone. This simple step can significantly extend your tank’s lifespan and prevent rust leaks.

Test the Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve

The temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve is a critical safety component that releases water if pressure or temperature gets too high. Once a year, test the valve by lifting its lever to ensure it opens and closes freely. If it doesn’t or if water continues to drip afterward, call a professional plumber. Never cap or plug a TPR valve—it must be able to relieve pressure to prevent explosions.

Check Vents, Connections & Gas Lines

For gas-fired water heaters, ensure flue pipes are secure and free of obstructions. Inspect for rust or backdrafting marks around the draft hood. Check gas lines for leaks using a soap solution. For electric models, verify wiring connections are tight and thermostat settings are appropriate. Always turn off power or gas before inspecting, and contact a licensed plumber or electrician if you’re unsure.

Insulate Tanks and Pipes

Insulating a tank-style heater and hot water pipes reduces heat loss, saving energy and improving response time on cold mornings. Use an approved insulation blanket and pre-slit foam pipe sleeves, but avoid covering the top, thermostat, burner access, or TPR valve. Even tankless heaters benefit from insulated pipes to reduce standby heat loss.

Schedule Professional Tune-Ups

While some tasks are DIY-friendly, annual professional maintenance is the best way to ensure your water heater runs safely and efficiently. A licensed plumber will flush the system, test the thermostat and safety valves, inspect gas or electrical connections, and check for early signs of corrosion. They can also recommend upgrades like water softeners or expansion tanks to protect your plumbing.

Know When to Repair vs. Replace

Tank-style heaters typically last 8–12 years, while tankless units can operate for 15–20 years with proper care. If your heater is approaching the end of its service life or exhibiting problems like rusty water, rumbling noises, or frequent pilot failures, it may be more cost-effective to replace it with a high-efficiency model. A plumber can help you evaluate repair costs versus replacement and guide you toward rebates or energy-saving options.

Taking care of your water heater not only preserves its lifespan but also ensures you always have hot water when you need it. Flint Plumbing offers comprehensive water heater tune-ups and replacements throughout Austin. We service all brands and models and back our work with transparent pricing and a satisfaction guarantee.

Schedule Your Water Heater Maintenance Today

If it’s been a year or more since your last water heater check, now’s the time. Call Flint Plumbing at (512) 971-2445 or schedule online for a professional tune-up. Our experienced technicians will keep your system running smoothly, save you money on energy bills, and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

FAQs

How often should I flush my water heater?
For Austin’s hard water, we recommend draining a few gallons every six months and performing a full flush annually for tank-style heaters. Tankless heaters should be descaled every 12 months.

Can I descale a tankless water heater myself?
Some manufacturers provide instructions for DIY descaling, but it involves shutting off gas or power, isolating the heater, and circulating a descaling solution through the heat exchanger. If you’re not comfortable with this process, hire a professional to ensure it’s done safely.

What temperature should I set my water heater to?
A setting of 120°F (49°C) balances energy efficiency with safety. Higher settings increase the risk of scalding and accelerate mineral buildup, while lower settings may invite bacteria growth.

When is it time to replace my water heater?
If your unit is over 10 years old, requires frequent repairs, produces rusty water, or fails to deliver hot water consistently, it may be time for replacement. A plumber can assess the condition and recommend the right option.

How long do tankless water heaters last compared to traditional tanks?
Tankless heaters typically last 15–20 years with proper maintenance, whereas tank-style heaters usually last 8–12 years. Regular maintenance extends both lifespans.