Water Heater Maintenance In DeSoto County
By the RW Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical Team · Reviewed by our licensed plumbers · Serving DeSoto County, MS since 1999
Your water heater works every day of the year and rarely gets a second thought until the morning it hands you a cold shower. A spring flush and check is cheap insurance, especially with the hard water we have in DeSoto County.
Why DeSoto County’s hard water matters
Water across the Memphis metro is moderately hard, and those minerals settle to the bottom of the tank as sediment. Over time, that sediment insulates the burner, reduces efficiency, and shortens the unit’s lifespan. A yearly flush clears it out, which is the single most useful thing you can do. Our water heater maintenance service handles it.
What maintenance includes
A proper visit is more than a quick look. It covers:
- Draining and flushing sediment out of the tank.
- Testing the temperature and pressure relief valve.
- Inspecting the anode rod, which protects the tank from rusting.
- Checking for leaks, corrosion, and worn connections.
- Verifying the temperature is set around 120 degrees.
The DOE Energy Saver guidance notes that setting the temperature to 120 degrees saves energy and reduces the risk of scalding.
Tank and tankless both need care
A tankless water heater is not maintenance-free in hard water either. The heat exchanger needs periodic descaling to keep it efficient. And if your water heater is already past ten years old and struggling, spring is a good time to plan a replacement rather than wait for it to fail.
Common questions
How often should I flush my water heater?
Once a year is a good rule, and more often if you have particularly hard water. Regular flushing is the best way to get the full life out of the tank.
What does the anode rod do?
It is a sacrificial metal rod that corrodes in place of your tank. Once it is used up, the tank starts to rust, so checking and replacing it extends the heater’s life.
What temperature should I set my water heater to?
Around 120 degrees. It is hot enough for daily use, saves energy, slows mineral buildup, and lowers the scald risk.
The bottom line
A short maintenance visit each spring keeps hot water reliable and pushes off the day you need a replacement. Call 662-429-2590 or schedule maintenance.
Protect your investment with the RW Comfort Club
Water heater care is built into the Comfort Club plumbing plan: a yearly drain and flush, a safety inspection, an anode rod assessment, and water quality testing.
- 10% off any HVAC, plumbing, or electrical repair
- Priority scheduling
- $50 off a new water treatment system for every consecutive year enrolled
About RW Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical
We are a family-owned shop that has been keeping DeSoto County water heaters running since 1999. We hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, our plumbers and electricians are licensed, and our HVAC technicians are NATE-certified. Read customer reviews on our reviews page or meet the team on our About Us page.
Sources: DOE Energy Saver Water Heating
