Annual Water Heater Maintenance Checklist

Water heaters are the most ignored appliance in the house — until they leak. This once-a-year, one-hour checklist is the difference between a 9-year heater and a 14-year heater.

1. Test the T&P relief valve

Lift the test lever briefly; water should flow, then stop cleanly when released. If it drips afterward or won’t lift, schedule a replacement — a safety device you can’t verify is a decoration.

2. Flush sediment from the tank

Hook a garden hose to the drain valve, run it to a safe drainage point, and flush until the water runs clear. In our hard-water area, annual flushing is the single highest-value maintenance task. If the drain valve won’t reseal afterward, that’s your cue for a brass upgrade.

3. Check the anode rod (every 2–3 years)

Extract and inspect: if more than 6 inches of core wire shows through, replace it. This $200–$400 service is the cheapest life-extension in home maintenance — see our anode rod service.

4. Verify water pressure

A $10 gauge on a hose bib should read 50–60 PSI. Above 80 PSI, install or service a pressure regulator — high pressure is a silent killer of valves, fittings, and tanks.

5. Inspect the expansion tank

Tap it: a dull thud at the bottom and hollow ring at top is healthy. A fully dull ‘thunk’ means it’s waterlogged and needs replacement.

6. Look for the early warnings

Rust streaks, mineral crust at fittings, dampness at the base, musty odors — our 7 warning signs guide shows exactly what to look for.

7. Confirm the pan and drain

If your heater has a pan, pour a cup of water in and verify it drains. No pan? Consider our pan installation — the cheapest flood insurance you’ll ever buy.

What to leave to a pro

Anything involving gas connections, electrical element or thermostat work inside the tank, seized anode rods, and pressure issues you can’t explain. Call (833) 713-2101 — a maintenance visit costs far less than the failure it prevents.

Need Help With a Leak Right Now?

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Quick Answers

How long does annual maintenance take?

About an hour for the homeowner tasks; a professional maintenance visit runs 1–2 hours including the anode check and full inspection.

Is maintenance worth it on an old heater?

On a healthy 8–10 year old tank, absolutely — it’s how you reach year 13. On a tank already showing seam rust, put the money toward planned replacement.