Spring and summer are great times to enjoy warm weather and longer days—but they can also challenge your home’s water heater. As temperatures rise, you may notice higher energy bills or inconsistent hot water. With a few simple maintenance steps, you can help your water heater run efficiently, extend its lifespan, and keep your household comfortable.

Is your water heater acting up or making strange noises? Don't wait for a cold shower to take action. Reach out to the friendly team at R&D Plumbing and Heating today by calling (587) 800-8569 or filling out our online contact form so we can help ensure your home stays comfortable all season long.

1. Dial Back the Temperature Settings

During the frigid winter months, many people turn their water heater temperature up to compensate for heat loss in the pipes. When spring arrives, you can likely turn it back down. Most manufacturers set water heaters to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) by default, but this is often hotter than a standard household needs.

Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) is usually plenty for showering and washing dishes. This small change can result in significant energy savings over the summer.

Reducing the temperature prevents "standby loss," which is energy wasted keeping water hot while no one is using it.
Lower temperatures reduce the risk of accidental scalding, especially for children and seniors.
You can save roughly 3% to 5% on your energy costs for every 10 degrees you lower the temperature.

2. Flush Out Accumulated Sediment

The water in our region can contain minerals that eventually settle at the bottom of your tank. This is known as sediment buildup. Over time, this layer of "scale" acts as a barrier between the heating element and the water. This means your heater has to work much harder and run longer to reach the desired temperature.

Spring is an excellent time to perform a "mini-flush" or a full tank drain. If you aren't comfortable doing this yourself, a professional can handle it during a routine check of your home plumbing system.

Sediment buildup often causes popping or rumbling noises coming from the tank.
Flushing the tank helps maintain the internal integrity of the unit.
Removing debris ensures that the heat transfer remains fast and efficient.

3. Check the Anode Rod

Inside every tank-style water heater is a long metal rod called an anode rod. Its sole purpose is to attract corrosive elements in the water so they eat the rod instead of eating the metal lining of your tank. Think of it as a "sacrificial" part that protects the entire system.

If the anode rod is completely depleted, your tank will begin to rust from the inside out. Checking this rod once a year is a key part of reliable water heater maintenance. If the rod looks like a thin wire or is covered in heavy calcium deposits, it is time to replace it.

Anode rods generally last between three and five years depending on water quality.
Replacing a rod is much cheaper than replacing an entire water heater.
A healthy anode rod prevents the "rotten egg" smell often caused by bacteria reacting with a degrading tank.

4. Insulate Your Pipes and Tank

Even in the summer, heat can escape from your water heater and the connected pipes. If your water heater is located in a garage or an unconditioned basement, it has to work against the surrounding air temperature. Adding an insulation jacket to an older tank can help keep the heat where it belongs.

Insulating the first few feet of the hot and cold water pipes is also a smart move. This prevents heat from dissipating as the water travels toward your faucets.

Use foam pipe sleeves to easily cover exposed copper or PEX piping.
Check your manufacturer’s manual before wrapping the tank to ensure you don't block air intakes.
Insulation helps provide "instant" hot water at the tap, reducing water waste.

5. Test the Pressure Relief Valve

The Temperature and Pressure Relief (T&P) valve is a safety feature designed to release water if the pressure inside the tank gets too high. If this valve is stuck or broken, it could lead to a dangerous situation or cause the tank to leak. Testing it is a simple way to ensure your home stays safe during the high-demand summer months.

To test it, simply lift the lever partway and let it snap back. You should hear a gurgle of water as it releases into the discharge pipe. If no water comes out or if the valve starts leaking afterward, you may need professional water heater repair to replace the component.

Always stand to the side when testing to avoid any potential hot water splashes.
A functioning valve is your primary defense against tank over-pressurization.
Regular testing ensures the valve hasn't become "frozen" in place by mineral deposits.

Keep Your Home Running Smoothly with R&D Plumbing and Heating

Maintaining your water heater doesn't have to be a complicated chore. By following these five tips, you can enjoy lower energy bills and a more reliable hot water supply all through the spring and summer. A little bit of preventative care today can save you from a major headache during your summer vacation.

If you have questions about your water heater's efficiency or notice a drop in performance, R&D Plumbing and Heating is here to help. Our team provides expert service across Lloydminster and the surrounding areas.

Contact R&D Plumbing and Heating at (587) 800-8569 or via our online form to schedule an inspection or to learn more about how we can help you save on your home energy costs.