Most people don’t think about their water heater until something goes wrong. But Paul, one of our expert South Dakota Service Guard technicians, knows that small warning signs can turn into major problems if they’re ignored.

“I want people to feel taken care of,” says Paul.

Customers feel it too.
"Paul did a great job...he diagnosed and repaired my water heater quickly and efficiently. A real professional!", one South Dakota homeowner shared.

Why spring is the best time to check your water heater

Nothing interrupts that “fresh start” spring feeling faster than an unexpected blast of cold water. Modern water heaters may look simple, but a few common issues can quickly disrupt your home’s routine, including:

• A failed heating element
• A faulty gas control valve
• A worn-out relief valve

Any one of these can lead to repair costs that typically range from $120 to $600, depending on the problem.

Every spring, Paul sees the same thing: minor issues that could have been caught early with a quick check in.

Paul’s simple, annual water heater habits

These easy at home steps help extend the life of your water heater and prevent costly repairs:

1. Give it a quick visual inspection
   Look for:
   • Clear space around the unit (especially away from combustibles)
   • No moisture, rust, or dripping around the base, pipes, or fittings
2. Listen for unusual noises
   Popping or rumbling usually means sediment buildup.
   • Drain tank water heaters once a year
   • Flush tankless water heaters annually
3. Know your installation date
   Most units last 8–12 years. If yours is aging out, start planning ahead.
4. Learn how to shut it off
   Locate the shutoff valve now so you can act quickly in an emergency.

When appliance breakdowns happen, you’re covered

Even with great maintenance, water heaters can still surprise you.

For just $7.49 per month, a Service Guard plan gives you the comfort of knowing local technicians like Paul will handle the unexpected — whether it’s a:

• Pilot assembly failure
• Faulty relief valve
• Gas control issue

With Service Guard, you get expert, friendly support that gets your water heater back up and running fast.

Count on Service Guard all season long

As spring settles in, technicians like Paul keep doing what they do best: showing up, fixing the unexpected, and making sure you feel taken care of.

Build a Service Guard appliance repair plan today — one that fits your home, your budget, and the appliances you rely on every day.

Sign up today