Water Heater Maintenance Checklist: What to Do Each Year
A little yearly care helps a water heater run safely and last longer. This checklist covers simple tasks for a tank unit, a few extras for a tankless unit, the warning signs that mean you should stop and call a pro, and what to tell the plumber. If you're searching for water heater maintenance near me, start here, then decide what you're comfortable doing yourself. LocalRepairLine is a referral service, not a contractor, and this is general information, not a substitute for an in-person inspection or your manufacturer's manual.
Safety first
Before any maintenance, turn off the power at the breaker (electric) or set the gas control to off or pilot (gas), and let hot water cool. If you smell gas, leave the house, avoid switches and flames, and call your gas utility or emergency services from outside. Never block or cap the pressure relief valve or its drain pipe. If a task feels unsafe, skip it and call a local plumber.
Yearly checklist for a tank water heater
- Check the thermostat setting. Many manufacturers and safety groups suggest around 120°F (49°C) to reduce scalding risk. Follow the label on your unit.
- Look around the tank. Check the base, fittings and pipes for drips, rust or mineral crust. A small drip is a reason to act early.
- Test the pressure relief valve. Place a bucket under the discharge pipe and briefly lift the lever. Water should flow and stop when released. If it doesn't flow, keeps dripping or the valve looks corroded, call a plumber rather than forcing it.
- Flush some sediment. With the power or gas off and the cold supply valve closed, attach a hose to the drain valve and drain a few buckets until the water runs clearer. Sediment can cause rumbling and make the heater less efficient. Skip this step if the drain valve is stuck or leaking.
- Check the anode rod. This rod helps protect the tank from corrosion. Many plumbers inspect it every few years. It can be stiff to remove, so ask a pro if unsure.
- Check venting on a gas unit. The flue should be firmly connected with no soot, rust streaks or loose sections. A blue, steady flame is normal. Keep a working carbon monoxide alarm nearby.
- Keep the area clear. Nothing flammable should sit next to the heater, and the air intake and vent should stay unblocked.
- Insulate exposed hot water pipes near the heater if they're cold to the touch, especially in a basement or garage.
Extra steps for a tankless water heater
- Clean the inlet water filter if your model has one.
- In areas with hard water, ask your manufacturer or a plumber how often to descale the unit.
- Check for error codes on the display and look up what they mean in the manual.
- Make sure the vent and air intake are clear and the unit has power or gas as required.
Warning signs that need a professional
- No hot water, or water that's only lukewarm.
- Rumbling, popping or banging from the tank.
- Rusty or cloudy hot water.
- Water pooling at the base or a leak from the tank body.
- A pilot that keeps going out, or a smell of gas.
- A relief valve that keeps dripping.
How long does a water heater last?
Tank units are often cited as lasting roughly 8 to 12 years, and tankless units longer, but it depends on water quality, how well the unit is maintained and how it's installed. If yours is near or past that range and showing signs of trouble, plan a replacement conversation with a local pro before it fails.
What to tell the plumber
- Gas or electric, tank or tankless, and roughly how old the unit is.
- What you noticed and when it began.
- Whether there's a leak, and where the water appears to come from.
- What you have already checked, flushed or turned off.
Need a plumber?
Describe the problem to an independent local plumbing company. A short automated prompt plays first, and then you're connected. LocalRepairLine is a referral service, not a contractor.
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