- HEP Plumbing
- Preventive Maintenance

Preventive Maintenance
Preventive Maintenance | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Fayetteville
Nothing ruins a cozy Fayetteville morning faster than a surprise cold shower, which is why regular care for your tank water heater is so important. HEP’s preventive maintenance plumbing service flushes sediment, checks anode rods, tests safety valves, and calibrates thermostats, all to keep hot water flowing efficiently while extending the lifespan of your equipment. Our licensed, local technicians arrive on time, protect your home with drop cloths and shoe covers, and explain every step so you’re confident the job is done right.
By investing in an annual tune-up, you avoid the energy spikes, corrosion, and emergency leaks that so often send homeowners scrambling for costly replacements. Let HEP handle the details—our friendly team schedules at your convenience, documents every finding, and backs each visit with straightforward, no-surprise pricing. Enjoy dependable hot water and peace of mind knowing your tank water heater is in expert hands.
FAQs
Why is preventive maintenance important for my tank water heater in Fayetteville’s climate?
Fayetteville’s municipal water is moderately hard and our seasonal temperature swings create extra stress on storage–type water heaters. Over time, mineral-rich water introduces sediment that settles inside the tank, reducing efficiency and accelerating corrosion. Annual preventive maintenance removes that build-up, verifies the anode rod is still protecting the steel tank, and ensures safety devices such as the temperature-pressure-relief valve (TPR) work properly. Regular care helps your heater run safely, heat water faster, and last years longer than neglected units.
What specific tasks are included in your tank water heater preventive maintenance service?
Our licensed plumbers perform a multi-point tune-up that typically takes 45–60 minutes: • Drain and fully flush the tank to remove sediment. • Inspect and, if necessary, replace the sacrificial anode rod. • Test the TPR valve and thermostat for correct operation. • Check gas burner assembly or heating elements and clean as required. • Verify venting and combustion air (gas units) or electrical connections (electric units). • Inspect supply shut-off valve, flex lines, and dielectric unions for leaks or corrosion. • Adjust thermostat to the recommended 120 °F for safety and efficiency. • Document findings and make recommendations if additional repairs are needed.
How often should I schedule preventive maintenance for my water heater?
Most manufacturers—and Fayetteville’s local plumbing code—recommend a professional inspection and flush once every 12 months. Homes with very hard water, high hot-water demand, or well water may benefit from six-month flushes. Sticking to this schedule keeps your warranty valid, prevents premature tank failure, and allows small issues to be fixed before they cause an emergency leak.
Will preventive maintenance really lower my energy bills?
Yes. A half-inch of sediment at the bottom of the tank requires up to 70 % more energy for the burner or elements to heat the water. By cleaning the tank, adjusting the thermostat, and confirming insulation is intact, our preventive service typically improves efficiency by 10–15 %. That can translate into noticeable savings on your Duke Energy or Black Hills natural gas statement, especially during Fayetteville’s cooler months when demand for hot water increases.
Can maintenance extend the life of an older 40- or 50-gallon heater I already have?
Absolutely. While most tank heaters last 8–12 years, many Fayetteville homeowners enjoy 15+ years of reliable service with yearly care. Replacing a depleted anode rod for about the cost of a service call can add several years by preventing internal rust. Even if your unit is nearing the end of its expected lifespan, maintenance reduces the chance of sudden leaks and buys you time to plan a replacement instead of facing an emergency flood.
How do I know when to call a professional and how do I schedule service in Fayetteville?
Call us if you notice rumbling sounds, water that takes longer to heat, rusty or sandy water, a TPR valve that drips, or if it has been more than a year since the last service. While simple tasks like insulating the pipes can be DIY, flushing a pressurized, scalding-hot tank and testing gas controls require proper tools and safety training. To schedule, phone our Fayetteville office at (910) 555-0123 or use the online booking form—same-day appointments are often available, and we back every maintenance visit with a satisfaction guarantee.