A water heater asks for about one hour of attention per year. In exchange, it gives you 3–5 extra years of life, lower energy bills, and — most importantly — safe, reliable hot water for your family. Here's the complete annual checklist.
Lift the test lever on the valve until water flows from the discharge pipe, then release — it should snap shut and stop completely. If nothing flows, or it keeps dripping, the valve needs replacement. This is your heater's explosion protection; never skip it.
Run the hot tap closest to the heater for a minute, then fill a cup and measure with a kitchen thermometer. If it reads above 120°F, lower the thermostat. For families with kids, this single check prevents scald injuries.
Connect a garden hose to the drain valve, run it to a safe drainage point, shut off the heat source, and drain several gallons until the water runs clear. In Colton's hard water, this annual flush is the highest-value maintenance there is. Caution: if your plastic drain valve is old, it may not reseal — have our number handy, or let us do the flush with a brass valve upgrade.
The anode rod sacrifices itself to prevent tank rust. In our water, check it every 2–3 years and replace when it's down to a thin wire or coated in calcium. Anode replacement ($200–$400) is the cheapest life-extension in plumbing.
Check the base, all connections, the drain valve, and the T&P discharge pipe for moisture, rust, or mineral crust. Catching a weeping fitting now prevents a failed fitting later.
Keep flammables away from gas heaters, confirm the flue is connected and drafting, and make sure the space around the unit stays clear for service access and airflow.
Our annual maintenance visit covers the full checklist in about an hour — call (833) 713-2101 to schedule yours.
Need help now? Don't wait — call us now at (833) 713-2101. Our Colton team answers 24/7.
Any month you'll remember — many homeowners pair it with smoke-detector battery changes or the start of summer. Consistency matters more than timing.
Not necessarily, but be cautious with a first-ever flush on a very old tank — dislodged sediment can expose pinholes it was plugging. Have us inspect first; we'll advise honestly.
Most manufacturer warranties actually require basic maintenance like anode checks. Keep receipts — they're your warranty's best friend.
One call is all it takes. Talk to a real water heater leak specialist serving Colton and the Inland Empire — no pressure, no obligation.
Call (833) 713-2101
Water Heater Leak Repair Specialists