Water Heater Flushing and Maintenance in West Palm Beach
Tank flush $75 to $150; anode rod $150 to $350
Most tanks that die early die from two things: sediment on the bottom and an anode rod nobody looked at. Both are cheap to deal with before they become a leak.
What a maintenance visit includes
- Flush. Cold supply stays on while the drain valve runs, until the water comes out clear. Sediment that has packed down gets stirred loose.
- Anode rod. Pulled and measured. Replaced if more than half of it is gone or the core wire shows.
- Relief valve. Lifted, checked for a clean seal, and the discharge line checked for a clear path.
- Thermostat. Set to 120 degrees, hot enough for the dishwasher and less likely to scald than a hotter setting.
- Gas burner. On gas tanks, the burner, pilot and flame sensor cleaned and the vent checked for draft.
- Electric. On electric tanks, the element terminals and wiring checked for heat damage.
- Pan and drain. Checked for rust and a clear path.
Storm prep
Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Before a storm, shut the heater down the way the manufacturer's manual says. A water heater that sat in floodwater stays off until a plumber has checked it, and an electrician too on an electric unit, and nobody switches power on while standing in water.
Signs the tank needs more than maintenance
Rust-colored water from the hot side only. Water seeping from under the jacket. A drain valve that will not close because sediment has packed it. A tank past twelve years with a rod that has been gone for years. Any of those, and the plumber prices a replacement alongside the maintenance so you can choose.
What it costs
A tank flush is $75 to $150. An anode rod replaced is $150 to $350. Tankless units have their own service; see tankless descaling, $150 to $350.
Book it once a year, the same month every year, and call (561) 264-5624 to set it up.