- HEP Plumbing
- Annual Tune-ups

Annual Tune-ups
Annual Tune-ups | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Newcomb
When HEP’s licensed pros arrive for your annual tune-up in Newcomb, they give your tank water heater the royal treatment—flushing away sediment, testing safety valves, inspecting burners, and calibrating thermostats so every shower feels just right. A quick visit now means fewer surprises later, lower energy bills, and a longer lifespan for the appliance you count on every single morning.
Because we’re local, scheduling is easy and response times are fast. Whether your tank water heater is a decade old or fresh from the box, our thorough checklist keeps it operating at peak efficiency while meeting all manufacturer-recommended maintenance requirements. Book your tune-up today and enjoy worry-free hot water all year long—HEP’s got it handled.
FAQs
Why does my tank water heater in Newcomb need an annual tune-up?
Newcomb’s water supply is moderately hard, which encourages mineral sediment to settle at the bottom of conventional storage tanks. An annual tune-up removes this buildup before it can reduce heating efficiency, overheat the bottom of the tank or clog the drain valve. Routine servicing also allows a licensed plumber to spot small leaks, failing anode rods or unsafe gas‐burner conditions early, preventing costly breakdowns and water damage.
What is included in your annual tank water heater tune-up service?
Our certified technicians follow a 15-point checklist: (1) drain and flush the tank to clear sediment, (2) inspect and replace the anode rod if more than 60 % depleted, (3) test the temperature & pressure relief valve, (4) examine the thermostat and adjust set-point for safety (49 °C/120 °F), (5) clean the gas burner or electric elements, (6) check flue draft and CO levels, (7) inspect venting for corrosion or blockages, (8) verify pilot or igniter operation, (9) look for leaks at all connections, (10) test expansion tank pressure, (11) confirm correct water pressure, (12) assess insulation on pipes and tank, (13) tighten electrical/gas fittings, (14) label the shut-off valves, and (15) document the unit’s serial number and condition for warranty records.
How can a tune-up lower my energy bills?
Even a thin layer of sediment acts like an insulating blanket between the burner and the water. Removing that layer allows the burner or elements to heat water faster and cycle less often, cutting energy use by 5–15 %. During service we also calibrate the thermostat and check inlet water pressure; both steps keep the heater from running hotter or longer than necessary, saving Newcomb homeowners an estimated $30–$60 a year.
Will an annual tune-up extend the life of my water heater?
Yes. Corrosion is the main reason storage heaters fail. By replacing the sacrificial anode rod when it’s depleted and flushing corrosive minerals, we slow rusting of the tank walls. Tuning the burner prevents scorching that can warp the steel base. Consistently maintained heaters in our coastal climate average 11–14 years of service, compared with 6–8 years for neglected units.
How long does the service take and will I be without hot water?
Most tune-ups take 60–90 minutes. You’ll be without hot water only while the tank is being drained and refilled—usually 30 minutes. We schedule appointments in two-hour arrival windows, and our technicians carry common replacement parts (anode rods, T&P valves, flex hoses) so everything can be completed in one visit.
Is yearly maintenance required to keep my manufacturer warranty valid?
Nearly all major water-heater manufacturers—including Rheem, Rinnai, AO Smith and Dux—state that ‘periodic maintenance by a qualified technician’ is a condition of their tank and parts warranties. Skipping an annual inspection can void coverage for leaks or tank failure. After each service we provide a digital report and stamped checklist that you can submit as proof of compliance, keeping your warranty—and your peace of mind—intact.