Use the manual first
Every manufacturer publishes a maintenance schedule, and your heater's manual takes priority over any general calendar. If you have lost it, the model number on the label is usually enough to find it online.
The calendar below fills the gaps: small checks that take a few minutes and tell you when to call a plumber. Fullerton's water, a blend of local groundwater and imported water, is hard enough that sediment in tanks and scale in tankless units deserve regular attention.
Tank water heater calendar
- Monthly
- Look at the base, fittings and relief valve pipe for water. Glance at the burner window on gas units for a steady blue flame.
- Every few months
- Check that the area around the heater is clear and the vent connector is attached and intact.
- Yearly
- Flush sediment per the manual, or have a plumber do it on an older tank. Check seismic straps are snug.
- Every few years
- Have a plumber inspect the anode rod and test the relief valve operation.
- As the warranty period ends
- Start planning a replacement so it is not chosen in a hurry on a cold morning.
Tankless water heater calendar
- Monthly
- Note any error codes on the display and any change in hot water temperature or flow.
- Every few months
- Check the area around the vent termination outside is clear.
- On the manufacturer's schedule
- Descale the heat exchanger and clean the inlet screen, more often with hard water and heavy use.
- Yearly
- Have venting, gas connection and isolation valves looked over.
Your service record
| Date | Task | Done by | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Keep this information with the calendar
- Heater type and fuel
- Tank or tankless; gas or electric
- Model and serial
- From the label
- Install date
- From paperwork or the serial number
- Warranty length
- From the label or manual
Common questions
Is yearly flushing right for every tank?
Follow the manufacturer's recommendation. On a tank that has never been flushed, ask a plumber before the first flush because the drain valve and sediment can cause trouble.
Can I skip maintenance on a new heater?
New heaters still collect sediment or scale. Starting the routine early is easier than catching up later.
What does a relief valve test involve?
The valve lever is lifted briefly to make sure it opens and closes. An old valve may not reseat, so many homeowners have a plumber handle it.
General information for Golden Hills, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.