Water Heater Maintenance
A standard storage water heater has an expected lifespan of 8 to 12 years. The most common failure point is the glass lining inside the steel tank, which cracks over time as the metal expands and contracts with each heating cycle. Once the lining cracks, the steel underneath rusts, and the tank eventually leaks.
Routine maintenance does not stop every failure, but it does extend the life of the tank, protect water quality, and catch slow leaks before they become flooded basements. At A.J. LeBlanc Heating, our licensed plumbers service tank and tankless water heaters across southern New Hampshire.
Replace the anode rod every few years
The anode rod is a sacrificial metal rod that hangs inside the tank to attract corrosive elements in the water. As long as the rod is intact, it corrodes instead of the tank. When the rod is fully consumed, those corrosive elements go after the steel tank itself.
Most anode rods last three to five years in NH water conditions, less with soft water or well water with high sulfur or iron content. Common rod materials:
- Magnesium: excellent corrosion protection, but can react with sulfur bacteria in well water to produce a rotten egg smell
- Aluminum or aluminum-zinc alloy: better suited to hard water, less likely to cause odor
- Powered anode rod: uses a small electrical current instead of corrosion, very long service life, and reduces odor problems
Replacing an anode rod is one of the highest-payoff plumbing maintenance items a homeowner can have done. It can roughly double the useful life of a tank-style water heater.
Flush the tank annually
Over time, sediment from the water supply settles at the bottom of the tank. On a gas water heater, that sediment insulates the burner from the water, which reduces efficiency and overheats the bottom of the tank. On an electric water heater, sediment can bury the lower heating element and cause premature element failure.
Flushing the tank once a year clears the sediment and is straightforward for a licensed plumber. For homes with well water or high sediment loads, more frequent flushing is sometimes warranted.
Test the temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve
The T&P valve is the safety valve on the side or top of the tank that opens if the tank ever exceeds safe temperature or pressure. It is one of the most important safety devices in your home, and it can stick if it has not been operated in years.
- Lift the lever briefly once a year. Water should flow out of the discharge pipe and stop when you release the lever.
- If the valve will not open, will not close, or drips continuously afterward, replace it.
- The discharge pipe must terminate within six inches of the floor or at an approved drain. Never cap it.
Watch for early warning signs
Catch a failing water heater before it leaks across your basement floor:
- Rusty or discolored hot water
- Rumbling, popping, or banging from the tank during heating cycles (usually sediment)
- Rotten egg smell, especially on well water (often an anode rod issue)
- Visible moisture, rust, or scale around the base of the tank
- Reduced hot water capacity or longer recovery time than usual
- The tank is past 10 years old
When replacement makes more sense than repair
If your tank is past its expected lifespan and showing early warning signs, replacement is usually a better decision than repair. While you are choosing a new system, it is worth comparing:
- Standard storage tank: familiar, lowest install cost, lifespan 8 to 12 years
- High-efficiency gas storage: better recovery, more efficient burner
- Tankless (on-demand) water heater: unlimited hot water, longer expected lifespan, higher install cost, requires annual descaling
- Heat pump water heater: significantly lower operating cost than electric resistance, requires adequate space and air around the unit
The federal 25C tax credit that covered heat pump water heaters ended December 31, 2025, but NHSaves utility rebates may still apply. Ask us for current amounts before you buy.
Schedule water heater service
For anode rod replacement, tank flushing, T&P valve service, or a no-pressure conversation about replacement options, contact A.J. LeBlanc Heating. Serving New Hampshire families since 1928.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a water heater last in New Hampshire?
A standard storage tank typically lasts 8 to 12 years. Tankless water heaters can last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance, and heat pump water heaters typically last 10 to 15 years. Hard water and high sediment shorten all of those numbers.
How often should the anode rod be replaced?
Every three to five years for most NH homes. Soft water, well water, and certain water chemistries can wear the rod faster.
Why does my hot water smell like rotten eggs?
That smell typically comes from sulfur bacteria reacting with a magnesium anode rod. Switching to an aluminum-zinc or powered anode rod usually solves it.
Can I flush my water heater myself?
It is possible, but the process involves draining the tank under pressure, handling very hot water, and confirming the T&P valve and shut-off all work as expected. Many homeowners find it worth having a plumber handle the first flush and then deciding whether to DIY future ones.
Is a tankless water heater worth it?
For most NH families with reasonable hot water demand, yes. The combination of unlimited hot water, longer expected lifespan, and reduced standby losses usually outweighs the higher install cost over the life of the unit. Heat pump water heaters are a strong alternative for all-electric homes.