Plumbing · high safety risk
Review tank water-heater service
Review the tank heater’s maintenance requirements and arrange qualified service as needed.
- How often
- Annual service review; follow the model manual
- Time
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Professional service
- Editorial status
- Awaiting human review
Before you begin
How to do it
- Identify the tank model, fuel or power type, manual, warranty requirements, and previous service date.
- Review manufacturer requirements for sediment flushing, anode inspection, relief-valve checks, and other model-specific service. Water conditions can change the necessary frequency.
- If history is unknown or service is due, arrange a qualified professional assessment; do not assume a tank should be flushed without evaluating its condition.
- Record the completed service or documented review and use the manufacturer and professional recommendations to set the next due date.
Stop and get help when
- Gas or exhaust odor
- Active leak
- Scorching, soot, or a damaged vent
- Water near electrical parts
Leave the area and seek emergency help for gas, exhaust, or carbon-monoxide concerns. Have a qualified water-heater professional evaluate leakage, venting, anode, relief-valve, and flushing needs.
Sources and review
Written by Upkeeping editorial team. This draft is awaiting human subject-matter and safety review and is not eligible for search indexing.