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Water Heater Maintenance
Water Heater Maintenance in Colorado Springs, CO
Protect your water heater from unexpected breakdowns and premature replacements.
Most homeowners don’t think much about their water heater in Colorado Springs until the hot water runs out, but by then, the damage is usually already done. Routine water heater maintenance in Colorado Springs helps avoid sudden failures, keeps your system operating efficiently, and reduces the chance of costly repairs down the road. With Colorado’s local water conditions and temperature swings, sediment buildup and wear and tear can happen faster than most homeowners would expect.
Our team at Big Cat Plumbing, Heating & Cooling focuses on practical water heater maintenance that actually makes a difference. Our skilled technicians take the time to inspect critical components, clean out buildup, and make sure your water heater is operating the way it should. Regular service also helps you avoid emergency calls, lowers long-term costs, and keeps hot water available when you need it.
Call us today to schedule your water heater maintenance in Colorado Springs.
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Our Colorado Springs Water Heater Services
Benefits of Routine Water Heater Maintenance
Scheduling regular water heater maintenance in Colorado Springs offers real, measurable benefits for many homeowners. While every system is different, routine service often results in:
- Improved efficiency from reduced sediment buildup
- Fewer unexpected repairs throughout the year
- Slower internal corrosion and longer system life
- Lower risk of sudden “no hot water” situations
- More consistent water temperature
- Safer operation through tested safety controls
- Cleaner water with fewer odor or discoloration issues
- Quieter performance during heating cycles
- Better protection for manufacturer warranties
- Early detection of leaks or failing components
- Preventive maintenance is far less expensive than emergency replacement
What’s Included in a Water Heater Maintenance Visit
When you schedule water heater maintenance in Colorado Springs, we follow a detailed, reliable process designed to keep your system working:
- Inspect for leaks, rust spots, or anything that feels off
- Check where the thermostat is set and adjust it if it’s higher or lower than it should be
- Drain the tank and flush it to get rid of sediment that settles at the bottom
- Check that the anode isn’t rusting or corroding and replace if necessary
- Test the temperature and pressure relief valve to make sure it opens and closes properly
- Look at the burner/heating elements; confirm they’re doing their job
- Go over gas lines or electrical connections for wear, looseness, or damage
- Check venting and airflow on gas systems and make sure nothing is blocked
- Review water pressure and the expansion tank if there is one
- Inspect the drain pan and overflow line underneath the unit
- Re-secure insulation and access panels if anything was loose
- Turn the system back on and check how it runs
If something looks worn out or close to failing, we’ll talk through next steps. You’ll get a clear explanation of what we’re seeing, what actually needs attention, and what it would cost before anything moves forward.
Book OnlineSomething’s Not Right? We’ll Help You Figure It Out.
When something’s wrong with your HVAC or plumbing, you don’t have to figure it out alone! Big Cat will come diagnose what’s happening, explain it clearly, and give you options that actually make sense. Let’s get to the bottom of it together.
How Our Water Heater Maintenance Process Works
When you schedule water heater maintenance in Colorado Springs, we make it as straightforward as possible. Here’s what to expect and how to plan.
1. We Help Book Your Service
Give our water heater experts a call and we’ll schedule a time that works for your schedule and confirm all of the details in advance.
2. We Arrive On Time and Review Your System
When our technician arrives, they’ll ask for any feedback about your water heater and look over the area to get a baseline of what’s going on.
3. We Perform Full Maintenance and Inspection
We’ll give your unit a thorough inspection, check how everything is operating, run tests, and take care of standard maintenance items. Our goal is to catch wear and tear as early as possible instead of waiting for a failure.
4. We Test Your Water Heater's Operations
After your water heater maintenance is complete, we run the system again. We check that your system is heating up your water correctly and responding the way it should. If something doesn’t behave normally, we’ll make sure to address it before wrapping up the job.
5. We Offer Clear Answers and Guidance
Once everything with your water heater is checked over, we’ll explain any issues or next steps. If the water heater is in good shape, we’ll let you know and get you on the schedule for your next visit. But if there’s a problem developing, we’ll explain what’s going on and what kind of water heater repair or potential system replacement you need.
6. We Wrap Up and Clean Up Our Job Site
Before heading out, we make sure your water system is on, the job site area is cleaned up, and nothing was left behind. Our goal is to get you back to your day as soon as possible for a hassle-free experience.
When you stay on top of water heater maintenance, you avoid surprise problems and early breakdowns. It’s among the easiest and most cost-effective ways to keep a water heater running longer.
DIY Water Heater Maintenance to Help Your System Last Longer
Scheduling regular water heater maintenance can go a long way to make your system last as long as possible. But there are also some DIY steps you can take to protect your system in between professional service calls:
- Drain and flush out the tank once or twice a year to clear out sediment that settles at the bottom.
- Check the anode rod occasionally and replace it when it starts to break down.
- Test the pressure relief valve to make sure it opens and closes as it should.
- Keep your thermostat set around 120°F to reduce the strain on your system and prevent overheating.
- Call our licensed professionals to inspect the unit at least once a year to catch issues that aren’t always obvious.
When you’re consistent with some simple habits and maintenance, you can reduce unexpected water heater breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your system at the same time.
How to Flush Out Your Water Heater
It’s normal for sediment to eventually settle inside of your water heater. Flushing out your tank can help remove it, but it requires a careful process. Here’s an overview of how to get the job done right:
- Shut Down the Unit: Turn off the breaker for electric units. If you have a gas unit, set the control to Pilot.
- Stop Incoming Water: Close the cold-water valve above the tank.
- Attach a Drain Hose: Hook a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Run it somewhere safe for hot water.
- Drain the Tank: Open the drain valve slowly and let the water empty out. It may still be hot. If it drains slowly, opening the relief valve can help.
- Rinse Out Sediment: Once the tank is mostly empty, turn the cold water on briefly to stir things up. Let it flush until the water looks clearer.
- Refill the Tank: Close the drain valve, remove the hose, and open the cold-water valve fully. Open a hot-water faucet until air is out of the lines.
- Restore Power or Gas: When the tank is full, turn the breaker back on or return the gas control to normal.
If your water heater hasn’t been flushed out in a long time, sediment can harden and block the drain. At that point, forcing it can cause damage and needs a professional to safely clean it out.
Book OnlineCO Springs Water Heater Maintenance FAQs
Yes, water heater maintenance is necessary for most homes, even if the unit seems to be working fine. Sediment builds up slowly and causes efficiency loss long before a heater actually fails. Regular maintenance helps reduce energy use, extend the life of the tank, and catch small problems before they turn into expensive repairs.
Most manufacturers and plumbers recommend water heater service once per year. Annual maintenance allows sediment to be flushed, safety components to be checked, and wear to be addressed early. In areas with mineral-heavy water, yearly service becomes even more important to avoid premature failure.
If a water heater is not flushed, sediment settles at the bottom of the tank and hardens over time. This forces the heater to work harder, which increases energy bills and shortens the system’s lifespan. In severe cases, sediment buildup can cause overheating, rumbling noises, or internal damage that leads to leaks.
Some homeowners can flush a water heater themselves if they’re comfortable with basic maintenance and the unit is not heavily clogged. However, older systems or heaters that haven’t been flushed in years often have hardened sediment that can block drain valves. In those cases, professional water heater maintenance is safer and helps prevent accidental damage or flooding.
Common signs include inconsistent hot water, popping or rumbling noises, cloudy or rusty water, and higher-than-normal energy bills. Moisture around the tank or a relief valve that drips occasionally can also signal internal pressure or sediment issues. If you notice any of these symptoms, scheduling water heater maintenance sooner rather than later can help prevent a breakdown.
Yes, regular water heater maintenance can help reduce energy costs over time. When sediment builds up inside the tank, the heater has to work harder to warm the water, which uses more energy. Flushing the tank and checking components allows the system to heat water more efficiently and avoid unnecessary strain.
With proper water heater maintenance, many tank-style systems last between 8 and 12 years, and sometimes longer. Annual service helps slow corrosion, protect internal components, and catch problems before they cause major damage. While maintenance can’t prevent every failure, it greatly improves the odds of getting the full lifespan out of your unit.
Schedule Water Heater Maintenance in Colorado Springs Today
Why wait until your water heater fails to get the service you need? Instead, scheduling water heater maintenance in Colorado Springs helps you stay on top of growing repairs, unexpected shutdowns, and premature replacements.
The team at Big Cat Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is proud to serve Colorado Springs and nearby communities with reliable, high-quality service. We keep your hot water on, your home comfortable, and restore your peace of mind with safe, reliable care.
Schedule your water heater service in Colorado Springs today!
Call Now (719) 784-7224



