Your water heater quietly does its job every day — until it doesn’t.
While it’s easy to overlook routine maintenance, skipping it can cost you a lot more than you think. From rising energy bills to unexpected breakdowns, neglecting your water heater can lead to serious and expensive problems later.
At Payless Water Heaters, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when maintenance is ignored. Here’s what you need to know to protect your investment, your home and your wallet.
Higher Energy Bills
A neglected water heater often works harder to do the same job. When sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank, it insulates the water from the heat source, forcing your system to run longer to produce hot water. That extra work means more energy usage — and higher utility bills.
Shortened System Lifespan
Water heaters aren’t cheap, and replacing one earlier than expected is a major expense. Routine maintenance like flushing the tank and checking components helps prevent wear and tear. Without it, corrosion and mineral buildup can cause premature failure — cutting years off the life of your unit.
Costly Emergency Repairs
Most water heater breakdowns don’t happen at a convenient time. When maintenance is skipped, you’re more likely to face sudden failures like:
- Leaking tanks
- Broken heating elements
- Pressure valve malfunctions
Emergency repairs often come with higher costs — and even worse, no hot water when you need it most.
Water Damage to Your Home
A leaking water heater can cause serious damage. Whether it’s a slow drip or a full rupture, water damage to flooring, drywall and surrounding areas adds up quickly.
In California homes, especially those in older neighborhoods like those in San Diego, Los Angeles and the Bay Area, water damage can be extensive due to aging plumbing and older water heaters.
Mold and Mildew Issues
Leaks don’t just damage surfaces — they create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to grow. That puts your indoor air quality and your family’s health at risk. Regular inspections can catch minor leaks before they become major hazards.
Voided Manufacturer Warranties
Many manufacturers require routine maintenance for warranty coverage. If you skip it, you might find yourself stuck with the full bill for repairs or replacement — even if the unit is still under warranty.
Lower Efficiency and Inconsistent Hot Water
Sediment buildup, clogged lines and worn-out parts all reduce performance. The result? Slower hot water delivery, inconsistent temperatures or cold water altogether. This is especially frustrating in larger households or during busy mornings.
What Water Heater Maintenance Should Include
At Payless Water Heaters, we recommend:
- Flushing the tank at least once per year
- Inspecting for leaks and corrosion
- Checking the anode rod and pressure relief valve
- Cleaning air intake filters on tankless models
- Ensuring proper venting and temperature settings
For California homes in hard water areas like Fresno, Bakersfield and Riverside, flushing may need to happen more frequently to prevent mineral buildup.
How Payless Water Heaters Can Help
We offer fast, affordable maintenance services designed to extend the life of your unit and save you money. With over 120,000 water heaters installed across California, we know what to look for — and how to fix it fast. We’ll make sure your system is running safely, efficiently and reliably so you can avoid surprise breakdowns and costly repairs.Don’t wait for an emergency. If you’re looking for water heater maintenance near you, get the peace of mind you deserve from Payless Water Heaters.
