Hot Water, No Worries: March Maintenance Tips

March is an ideal month for water heater preventative maintenance, as it is in the spring "off-season," a time when milder weather results in reduced hot water usage and plumbing professionals have greater availability.

Why March Is Ideal

Reduced Demand 

Spring generally brings milder temperatures, which means your household's demand for hot water decreases from the winter peak. This makes any brief service interruption during maintenance less inconvenient.

Professional Availability 

HVAC and plumbing companies are typically less busy in the spring and fall (the "shoulder seasons") than during the peak heating and cooling months of summer and winter. Scheduling in March means you can more easily find a convenient appointment time and potentially avoid emergency service fees.

Prepares for Summer Strain 

Performing maintenance in March, before the increased hot water demands that can come with summer usage patterns (e.g., more showers, increased laundry), ensures the unit runs optimally during peak times.

Prevents Future Issues 

Maintenance at this time allows technicians to catch small issues that may have developed over the hard-working winter months (like sediment buildup) before they turn into costly breakdowns. 

Key Maintenance Tasks

Routine maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your water heater, improves efficiency, and prevents unexpected breakdowns. By being proactive and scheduling maintenance in March, you help ensure your water heater is running safely and efficiently all year long.

Shut off valves

Locate and verify the water and gas supply shutoff valves are easily accessible and functional without fail to avoid catastrophic and expensive scenarios

 Checking temperature settings

Ensuring the thermostat is set to the recommended 120°F - 125°F helps maintain safety and energy efficiency. 

 Flushing the tank

This removes accumulated sediment and mineral deposits that force the heating element to work harder, reducing efficiency and potentially leading to corrosion. Flush sediment from the tank every 6-12 months depending on water hardness and water supply source.

Pro Tip: Ensure clearance and insulation to maintain proper efficiency and reduce chances of combustion. Schedule a professional tune-up as this inspection is rated higher than novice level for most homeowners.

Inspecting components

A professional is the best partner for the following:

Anode Rod

Inspect the sacrificial anode rod (which protects the tank from rust) at every tank flush which is especially important when home water supply is well-fed.

Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve

Test the T&P valve to ensure this safety device operates properly to prevent catastrophic failures.

Gas Heaters

Professionally clean the burners/vents to improve efficiency and limit the CO2 exposure and fire hazards.

Electric Heaters

Check/tighten electrical connections including dedicated breaker, conduit, and appliance connections. Best practice is to verify resistance in elements annually by a professional.