The Homeowner's Water Heater Maintenance Checklist
A practical, realistic maintenance checklist for tank and tankless water heaters, and what's safe to do yourself versus call a professional for.
Monthly (2 minutes, no tools)
Glance at the area around the base of the unit for any sign of moisture or a new puddle. Catching a small leak early is the difference between a quick fitting repair and water damage to flooring or drywall.
Every 6 months
Test the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve by lifting the test lever briefly (follow your unit's manual, and be aware the discharged water will be hot). It should flow freely and then stop fully when released. If it doesn't reseat properly, that's a professional repair, not a DIY fix.
Annually
Flush the tank to clear sediment buildup — this is the single highest-value maintenance task for a standard tank unit and directly affects both lifespan and energy efficiency. Check the anode rod if your unit is past 3 years old; a heavily corroded rod should be replaced before it's fully consumed. For tankless units, descale the heat exchanger annually, more often in hard water areas.
See our maintenance and flushing service if you'd rather have this handled in one visit than do it piecemeal.
What's reasonable to DIY vs. call a professional for
A visual leak check and a T&P valve test are reasonable for most homeowners comfortable working near the unit. Flushing a tank that hasn't been flushed in years carries real risk — old valves can fail once operated, and flushing sometimes reveals a leak that was masked by sediment. Anode rod replacement, gas valve work, and anything involving venting or gas connections should go to a professional, both for safety and because incorrect reassembly can create a carbon monoxide risk on gas units.
Have a water heater question about your own Edgewater home?
Call and describe the symptom or project — we'll give you a straight answer, not just a sales pitch.