Keep your water heater running efficiently

Water Heater Maintenance

Serving Knoxville for 30+ Years

Knoxville homeowners have counted on The Plumbing Authority for over 30 years of honest answers, skilled workmanship, and customer-focused service.

Up-Front Pricing

From plumbing repairs to new installations and everything in between, we offer fair, upfront pricing you can trust with no hidden fees or surprises.

Fixed Right the First Time

Our licensed plumbers get the job done right the first time with accuracy, precision and care so you can get back to your day without the hassle.

    Serving Knoxville for 30+ Years

    Knoxville homeowners have counted on The Plumbing Authority for over 30 years of honest answers, skilled workmanship, and customer-focused service.

    Up-Front Pricing

    From plumbing repairs to new installations and everything in between, we offer fair, upfront pricing you can trust with no hidden fees or surprises.

    Fixed Right the First Time

    Our licensed plumbers get the job done right the first time with accuracy, precision and care so you can get back to your day without the hassle.

$150 Off & Free Estimates

On Water Heaters

Expires 12/31/25.

Call (865) 245-5251

Water Heater Maintenance in Knoxville, TN

Protect your investment, ensure hot water.

Your water heater in Knoxville is one of the unsung heroes of your home, providing hot water for showers, cleaning, and everyday comfort. However, without regular hot water heater maintenance, this essential appliance can become less efficient, costing you more in energy bills and even leaving you with cold water when you least expect it.

If you need water heater maintenance in Knoxville, The Plumbing Authority has you covered. With years of experience and a commitment to reliable service, we make water heater maintenance hassle-free. Whether you need routine upkeep or have noticed signs of trouble, our expert plumbers are ready to help. Call now!

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Our Knoxville Water Heater Services

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GoodLeap Financing

No Interest if Paid in Full With Minimum Payment During 12-Month Promo

  • 10-year term
  • 15.49% rate
  • 5.5% dealer fee

No Payment and No Interest if Paid in Full During 12-Month Intro

  • 10-year term
  • 15.49% rate
  • 5.5% dealer fee

technician performing water heater maintenance in Knoxville, TN

Top Benefits of Water Heater Maintenance in Knoxville, TN

Water heater maintenance in Knoxville has many benefits. They may not all end up applying to you, depending on the specifics of your situation, but they might. Here’s what you stand to gain when you invest in routine water heater inspections:

  • Lower energy bills – Flushing sediment and tuning components improves heat transfer and efficiency.
  • Fewer surprise breakdowns – We catch small issues (loose wiring, weak igniters, failing elements) before they become major water heater repairs.
  • Longer water heater lifespan – East Tennessee’s mineral content can accelerate scale; descaling and anode checks slow corrosion and wear.
  • Less chance of emergency replacement – Proactive service helps prevent sudden “no hot water” failures or premature water heater replacement.
  • Steadier water temps – Calibrated thermostats, proper flow, and clean dip tubes deliver consistent, comfortable hot water.
  • Safer operation – We verify T&P relief valve function, venting/draft on gas units, and electrical/gas connections for peace of mind.
  • Cleaner, better-smelling water – Tank flushing and anode maintenance reduce metallic tastes and sulfur (“rotten egg”) odors.
  • Quieter performance – Removing sediment curbs popping, crackling, and rumbling noises from the tank.
  • Warranty protection – Documented maintenance helps keep manufacturer coverage valid.
  • Leak risk reduction – Early detection of rust, valve failures, and pan/drain issues helps prevent costly water damage.
  • Better seasonal performance – Tune-ups help your heater keep up with Knoxville’s humid summers and chilly cold snaps without overworking.

Ready to lock in these benefits? Schedule water heater maintenance in Knoxville, TN with The Plumbing Authority today. We’ll keep your hot water reliable, efficient, and safe year-round.

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Our Knoxville Water Heater Inspection Checklist

When you schedule water heater maintenance in Knoxville with The Plumbing Authority, our licensed technicians perform a detailed, multi-point service to keep your system safe, efficient, and long-lasting. Our visit includes:

  • Full system inspection – Check for leaks, corrosion, rust, and wear on all visible components.
  • Thermostat & control testing – Verify accuracy and adjust settings for steady, efficient temperatures.
  • Tank flushing – Remove sediment buildup common with East Tennessee water to improve performance and efficiency.
  • Anode rod inspection/replacement – Protect the tank from internal corrosion.
  • T&P relief valve check – Confirm safe operation and proper discharge.
  • Burner/element testing – Ensure reliable ignition, output, and function (gas or electric).
  • Gas/electrical safety checks – Inspect connections, wiring, and breakers for safe, code-compliant operation.
  • Venting/combustion air review (gas models) – Verify draft, exhaust, and airflow for safe operation.
  • Pressure & expansion tank check (if applicable) – Balance system pressure to reduce stress on the tank.
  • Drain pan & overflow verification – Clear lines and confirm proper drainage to prevent water damage.
  • Final performance test – Run unit to confirm consistent heating and efficient operation.
  • Clear recommendations – If we find issues, we’ll explain options and provide honest, upfront solutions.

The Plumbing Authority technician shaking hands with customer in Knoxville, TN.

What to Expect from Our Knoxville Water Heater Maintenance Service

Keeping your water heater in great shape is simple with our streamlined maintenance process. We keep things simple, transparent and convenient, so you get reliable hot water without the hassle.

1. Easy Scheduling

Pick a time that works for you; we’ll confirm and send reminders.

2. On-Time Arrival & Safety Check

Your technician arrives promptly, introduces themselves, and performs an initial safety review around the unit.

3. Comprehensive Service

We complete the full checklist—inspecting, cleaning, testing, and making small adjustments that boost efficiency and reliability.

4. Performance Test & Quality Review

We run the system to verify temperature, pressure, ignition/element function, and overall efficiency.

5. Results & Recommendations

You’ll get a clear summary of findings, photos/measurements when helpful, and straightforward next steps (if any).

6. Clean-Up & Follow-Up

We leave the workspace tidy, restore normal operation, and answer any final questions.

Ready to keep your hot water dependable year-round? Schedule water heater maintenance in Knoxville, TN with The Plumbing Authority today!

Call (865) 245-5251

DIY Water Heater Maintenance to Make Your Water Heater Last Longer

Professional water heater inspections and maintenance are key to extending the lifespan of your water heater. But there are some simple things you can do in between professional visits that can keep your system running efficiently:

  • Flush the tank every 6–12 months to remove sediment buildup
  • Check and replace the anode rod to prevent rust and corrosion
  • Inspect the pressure relief valve to ensure it’s working properly
  • Set the thermostat to 120°F to avoid overheating and excessive wear
  • Schedule professional maintenance annually to catch small issues before they turn into costly repairs

By following these steps, you can improve efficiency, reduce energy costs, and extend the life of your water heater, ensuring a reliable hot water supply for years to come!

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How to Flush Your Water Heater

Flushing your water heater once or twice a year helps prevent sediment buildup, especially useful in East Tennessee, where mineral content can leave scale that hurts efficiency and shortens tank life. Here’s how Knoxville homeowners can safely flush a tank-style water heater:

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1. Turn Off Power or Gas

  • Electric: Switch off the dedicated breaker.
  • Gas: Set the gas control to “Pilot.”

2. Shut Off the Cold Water Supply

Turn the cold-water valve (at the top of the tank) clockwise to stop incoming water.

3. Attach a Garden Hose

Connect a hose to the drain valve near the bottom of the tank. Run the other end to a floor drain, driveway, or outdoors where hot water can drain safely.

4. Open the Drain Valve

Carefully open it to start draining. If flow is slow (sediment clog), briefly lift the T&P relief valve lever at the top/side to let air in and improve drainage.

5. Flush with Fresh Water

When the tank is mostly empty, briefly open the cold-water valve to stir and flush remaining sediment. Let it run until the hose water turns clear.

6. Close Valves & Refill

Close the drain valve, remove the hose, and open the cold-water valve fully to refill. Keep a nearby hot-water faucet open until a steady stream (no sputtering) purges air from the lines.

7. Restore Power or Gas

After the tank is full, turn the breaker back on or set gas control to “On.” Allow 30–45 minutes for water to reheat.

Extra Knoxville Water Heater Flushing Tips

  • After pollen season or heavy rains, sediment can increase; consider an extra flush if you notice popping/rumbling sounds.
  • Before a winter cold snap, confirm the T&P discharge line and drain pan are clear to help prevent water damage if a freeze-related issue occurs.
  • Pro Tip: If the heater hasn’t been flushed in years, sediment can harden and clog the drain. In that case, it’s safer to let a pro handle it. For help or a full tune-up, schedule water heater maintenance in Knoxville with The Plumbing Authority!

Schedule a Professional Water Heater Tune-Up in Knoxville Today

Avoid surprise outages, lower energy costs and keep hot water consistent through Knoxville’s humid summers and chilly snaps. Our techs at The Plumbing Authority flush sediment, test safety devices and fine-tune performance so your system runs safely and efficiently.

Prefer easy scheduling and upfront pricing? We’ve got you. Call The Plumbing Authority or book your Knoxville water heater maintenance online today!

Call (865) 245-5251

The Plumbing Authority van in front of the Sunsphere in Knoxville, TN.

Knoxville Water Heater Maintenance FAQ

How often should I schedule water heater maintenance in Knoxville?

We recommend annual water heater maintenance for most Knoxville homes. If you have hard water or heavy usage, you might benefit from twice-yearly service to prevent sediment buildup and ensure optimal performance.

What does professional water heater maintenance include?

Our comprehensive maintenance service includes tank flushing, anode rod inspection and replacement, thermostat calibration, safety valve testing, leak detection, and efficiency assessment. We also provide maintenance tips to help extend your unit’s lifespan.

Can regular maintenance prevent water heater breakdowns?

Yes, regular maintenance can prevent many common water heater problems by catching issues early, removing sediment that causes overheating, and ensuring all components work properly. This significantly reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.

How much does water heater maintenance cost in Knoxville?

Maintenance costs vary based on your water heater type and service needs. However, annual maintenance is much more affordable than emergency repairs or premature replacement. Contact The Plumbing Authority for specific pricing information.

What happens if I skip water heater maintenance?

Skipping maintenance can lead to reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, shorter lifespan, and increased risk of breakdowns. Sediment buildup can cause overheating and damage, while worn components may fail unexpectedly.

Should I maintain my tankless water heater differently?

Tankless water heaters require different maintenance than traditional tanks, including descaling to remove mineral buildup. Our Knoxville technicians are trained in both traditional and tankless water heater maintenance procedures.

Can I perform water heater maintenance myself?

While some basic maintenance like temperature adjustments can be done yourself, professional service ensures safety and thoroughness. Our trained technicians can spot potential problems that homeowners might miss and have the proper tools for safe maintenance.