Maintaining a Water Heater

Maintaining a Water Heater The water heater is often the third largest energy expense in your home. You can significantly extend the life of your water heater and help keep your energy costs down with regular water heater maintenance. This guide will show you how to complete some of the most common water heater maintenance tasks. Always refer to the manual for your water heater for additional information and safety precautions that are particular to your model.




Basic Water Heater Maintenance

Step 1: Flush the heater

How to Flush the Heater


The build up of sediment in the tank can reduce your water heater's energy efficiency and also clog your water lines. Avoid these problems and increase the life of your unit by flushing your water heater every six months.


1.  Connect a standard garden hose to the water heater drain outlet near the base 
     of the water heater. Place the other end of the hose near a floor drain or in a 
     large bucket.  

2.  Flush sediment from the bottom of the heater by opening the drain spigot and 
     allowing the water to run until it runs clear.  

Adjusting the Water Temperature  

Step 2: Turn off the electricity and remove the access panel

Turn off the Electricity and Remove the Access Panel


1.  Shut off power to an electric water heater by flipping the breaker at the 
     service panel.  

2.  Pull back any insulation to expose the thermostat.  

3.  Use a screwdriver to change the thermostat temperature in 10-degree 

4.  Close the panel, turn the power on, and check the water temperature after 
     one hour. Adjust again if necessary.  

5.  If you have a gas water heater, the temperature can easily be adjusted 
     with the thermostat located on of the tank.  

Relighting a Gas Water Heater

Step 1: Remove the Cover Panel   

Step 3: Remove the cover panel 1.  Lift off the access panel at the bottom of the tank.  

2.  Remove the heat shield and check to see if there is a flame.  

3.  If not, shut off the gas supply valve.  

4.  Disperse any excess gas by gently blowing into the opening before you attempt to
     relight the pilot.  

Step 2: Relight the Pilot

Step 4: Relight the pilot 1.  Turn the knob on top of the control box to the “pilot” position.  

2.  Hold a lit fireplace match or barbeque lighter to the pilot access opening.  

3.  Press and hold down the reset button on the control box for 60 seconds after the
     pilot ignites, then turn the control knob to the “on” position.  

4.  Replace the access panel.