How to Maintain a Water Heater

Hot water heaters are like cars. Give them some loving care and periodic maintenance, and they'll last for a long time. Neglect them and work them to death, and a breakdown is inevitable. These tips to maintain your water heater will prolong its life.

Things You'll Need

• Safety goggles
• Gloves
• Bucket
• Garden hose

Instructions

Checking the Pressure-Relief Valve

1. Perform this check twice a year, because a pressure-relief valve that doesn't work can cause an explosion from pressure build-up. Both electric and gas hot-water heaters have a pressure-relief valve. Check the manual for the location on your model.

2. Turn the gas switch to pilot or shut off the electricity to the hot-water heater.

3. Cut off the cold water supply to the water heater.

4. Put a bucket under the pressure-relief valve to catch water.

5. Move the trip lever on the valve. Listen for a rush of air or look for some water and vapor exiting from the pressure-relief valve.

6. Drain the tank by attaching a hose to the drain valve and putting in a new valve if you don't see and hear what's described in Step 5.

Flushing the Tank

1. Change the gas switch to pilot on a gas heater or turn off the electricity to an electric hot-water heater.

2. Turn off the cold water to the water heater. Attach a hose to the drain valve.

3. Open the pressure-relief valve. Open the drain valve and let the tank drain.

4. Shut the drain valve and unscrew the hose from the valve.

5. Close the pressure-relief valve on the heater.

6. Turn on the hot water handle on all faucets in the house before turning on the cold water pipe to the tank. Shut off the hot water in each faucet when water starts coming out.

7. Switch the gas switch to "run" on the hot-water heater or turn on the electricity

Tips & Warnings

• Check gas heaters for improper burning of fuel by putting a carbon monoxide tester near the pilot light.

• Flush the tank twice a year.

• Use safety goggles and gloves when you work on the hot-water heater. Guard against possible injury from hot water as you maintain the heater.

• When attaching a garden hose to the drain valve, be sure to put the other end in an area that won't be damaged by scalding hot water.

Resources

• Learn more do's and don'ts about water heater maintenance.