Extend the Life of Your Water Heater: Tips Every Tulsa Homeowner Should Know

A reliable water heater is a must-have for every Tulsa household — whether you’re braving a chilly winter morning or running a warm bath after a long day. At Tulsa plumbing service, we understand how crucial hot water is to your daily routine. That’s why we’re here to help you get the most out of your water heater with expert maintenance, timely repairs, and smart upgrade advice.


Tulsa Plumbing service



Here’s everything you need to know to extend the lifespan of your water heater and avoid unexpected cold showers!

1. Know Your Water Heater Type

Every water heater has its own care routine, and knowing your model is the first step to proper maintenance.

Electric Water Heaters

  • Common in Tulsa homes
  • Run on electricity — no gas line needed
  • Generally easier to install and maintain
  • May need new heating elements or thermostats over time

Gas Water Heaters

  • Ideal for homes with natural gas connections
  • Often heat water faster than electric models
  • Typically lower operational costs
  • Require regular checks for burner function and gas safety

Tankless Water Heaters

  • Heat water only when needed — no storage tank
  • Great for energy savings and smaller spaces
  • Require less frequent servicing but need scale buildup checks due to Tulsa’s hard water

Hybrid Water Heaters

  • Combine electric heating with heat pump technology
  • Excellent efficiency, especially in warmer climates like Oklahoma’s
  • Higher upfront cost, but rebates and long-term savings often offset it

Not sure what type you have? Give us a call — we’ll inspect your setup and help you understand your system better.

2. Stay on Top of Regular Maintenance

Just like your car needs oil changes, your water heater needs tune-ups. Routine maintenance can significantly increase efficiency and extend the life of your system.

Our Top Maintenance Tips:

  • Flush the tank annually to remove sediment and mineral buildup (especially important in Tulsa due to hard water)
  • Check the anode rod every 2–3 years to prevent tank corrosion
  • Test the temperature and pressure relief valve
  • Keep the thermostat set between 120–125°F to balance comfort and safety

If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, our licensed Tulsa plumbers can handle the entire checklist during a scheduled service visit.

3. Repair or Rebuild When Possible

Don’t assume you need to replace the whole water heater just because something goes wrong. Often, we can repair or rebuild key components, saving you hundreds of dollars.

Common Fixes:

  • Electric Units: Replace the heating element or thermostat
  • Gas Units: Fix the thermocouple, pilot light, or control valve
  • Tankless Units: Clean or replace scale-covered filters and flush the system

Our team can quickly identify the issue and recommend whether a targeted repair or full replacement is the best option.
4. Know When It’s Time to Replace

No appliance lasts forever — and water heaters are no exception. On average, a traditional water heater lasts 8–12 years, while tankless units can run 15–20 years with good care.

Signs You May Need a New Unit:

  • Water is consistently lukewarm or cold
  • Rusty or discolored water coming from your taps
  • Strange rumbling or banging noises from the tank
  • Water pooling around the base
  • Increasing energy bills with no other explanation

If your system is nearing the end of its lifespan or experiencing frequent breakdowns, it may be more cost-effective to upgrade to a newer, more efficient model.

We’ll walk you through the options — whether it’s a high-efficiency gas model, a hybrid upgrade, or a tankless solution that fits your home’s needs and budget.

Tulsa Plumbing Service: Your Water Heater Experts

Whether you need a quick repair, routine maintenance, or a full water heater replacement, Tulsa Plumbing Service has you covered. Our experienced, licensed plumbers provide honest advice and quality workmanship every step of the way.

Emergency services available 24/7
Transparent pricing no surprise fees
Serving Tulsa and surrounding areas with pride.

For more information visit our website: https://bigcplumberstulsa.com/tulsa-plumber/

 

 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Checklist for Hiring a Plumber

The 14 Best Resources for Quick Plumbing Tulsas

Quick Plumbing Services in Tulsa