Water Heater Maintenance Guide

Regular maintenance extends water heater life from 8-12 years to 12-15+ years, improves energy efficiency (sediment buildup can increase energy use by 20%+), maintains hot water supply, and prevents unexpected failures. Most maintenance tasks are simple annual procedures that any homeowner can perform.

Sediment accumulates at the tank bottom over time, reducing efficiency and capacity. To flush: turn off the heater (gas valve to pilot, or electric breaker off), connect a garden hose to the drain valve and route to a drain, open the drain valve and let water flow until clear, close the valve and refill. Flush annually, or every 6 months in areas with hard water.

The T&P (temperature and pressure) relief valve is a critical safety device. Test annually: place a bucket under the discharge pipe, lift the valve's lever briefly and let it snap back. Water should flow and stop. If it drips continuously or won't release, the valve needs replacement. Never cap or plug this valve—it prevents dangerous pressure buildup.

The anode rod protects your tank from corrosion by attracting corrosive elements. Once depleted, the tank itself begins corroding. Check every 2-3 years: remove the rod from the tank top (may require a socket wrench) and inspect. Replace when more than 6 inches of core wire is visible or the rod is less than 1/2 inch thick. This $20-50 part can add years to tank life.

Set temperature to 120°F—hot enough for sanitation, cool enough to prevent scalding and reduce energy use. Higher settings increase sediment buildup and energy costs. Add an insulating blanket to older tanks (not needed on newer insulated models) to reduce standby heat loss. Insulate the first 6 feet of hot and cold pipes near the tank.

Call a professional for: rusty or discolored hot water, persistent rumbling or popping despite flushing, visible tank leaks or corrosion, pilot light that won't stay lit, insufficient hot water despite proper settings, and units over 10 years old showing any symptoms. These issues may require repair or indicate impending failure.