Most water heater care is quick, but it's easy to lose track of when you last did it. Tying each task to a month, or to something you already do, like changing smoke and CO alarm batteries, makes it stick. The calendar below is a starting point. Your manufacturer's instructions take priority, and a plumber may suggest a different flushing or descaling interval based on what comes out of your heater.
A sample year
- January
- Look over the heater: base dry, no rust at fittings, vent connected, straps snug.
- March
- Test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms; check the area around a gas heater is clear of storage.
- April
- Tank: flush sediment per the manual, or book a plumber. Tankless: clean the inlet screen.
- June
- Check the temperature setting and look at the relief valve discharge pipe end for drips.
- September
- Re-check straps and the gas connector; confirm the cold-water valve still turns.
- October
- Tankless: descale per the manual or as your plumber recommends for hard water.
- November
- Before winter use peaks, note any noises or slow recovery in your symptom log.
- Every few years
- Have the anode rod inspected on a tank heater.
Track it here
| Task | Last done | Next due | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tank flush or tankless descale | |||
| Inlet screen (tankless) | |||
| Relief valve check | |||
| Anode rod inspection | |||
| Strap and vent check | |||
| CO alarm test |
Tools to keep near the heater
- A flashlight
- A garden hose long enough to reach a safe drain point
- A copy of your shutoff map
- The owner's manual or a saved link to it
- This calendar
Common questions
Do I need to flush every year?
Follow the manual. Hard water in Orange often justifies regular flushing, and a plumber can judge the interval from how much sediment comes out.
Is the anode rod something I check myself?
It's often tight and needs overhead clearance, so many owners leave it to a plumber during a maintenance visit.
What if my heater has never been maintained?
Start with an inspection rather than an aggressive flush on an old tank, since hardened sediment and old drain valves can cause problems.
General information for Orange, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.