DIY Water Heater Maintenance Checklist for Every Season

Water heaters are easy to ignore because they quietly work in the background until they don't. Spreading a handful of simple checks across the year is enough to catch small issues before they become expensive ones, and it takes only a few minutes each season.

Winter: visual inspection

Cold months put extra strain on your water heater since incoming water is colder and the unit works harder to bring it up to temperature. Use this season for a thorough visual check:

• Look around the base of the tank for any signs of moisture, staining, or rust.
• Check visible pipe connections at the top of the tank for corrosion or mineral crust, which often signals a slow leak.
• Listen for unusual sounds while the unit is actively heating, like popping or rumbling.

Spring: temperature check

Spring is a good time to confirm your water heater's temperature setting hasn't drifted and is still where you want it.

• Run hot water at a faucet and check the temperature with a simple kitchen thermometer.
• Confirm it's close to the recommended 120°F for a balance of safety and efficiency.
• Adjust the thermostat dial if needed (see our guide on adjusting water heater temperature safely).

Summer: anode rod note

You won't need to inspect the anode rod every quarter, but summer is a good time to make a mental note of when it was last checked or replaced, since this is easy to forget about entirely.

• If you don't know when the anode rod was last inspected, or ever, plan to have it checked, especially if your water heater is more than 4 to 5 years old.
• A consumed anode rod means the tank itself starts absorbing corrosion instead, so this small, inexpensive part has an outsized effect on tank longevity.

Fall: flushing reminder

Fall, before heavier winter usage kicks in, is an ideal time for the year's tank flush if you haven't already done it.

• Follow the full flush process (see our dedicated flushing guide) to clear out sediment that's accumulated over the year.
• This is especially important in hard water areas, where sediment builds up faster.

Anytime: pressure relief valve test

The temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve is a critical safety device that releases pressure if the tank overheats or overpressurizes. It's worth testing at least once a year, and it doesn't need to align with any particular season.

1. Place a bucket under the discharge pipe connected to the valve.
2. Lift the valve's test lever partway and let it snap back.
3. You should hear a rush of water or air escape briefly, confirming the valve is functioning.
4. If nothing happens, or the valve continues dripping after you test it, it may need replacement. This is a safety component, not something to leave unaddressed.

Putting it together

None of these tasks take more than a few minutes individually, but spread across the year they add up to a water heater that runs more efficiently and lasts closer to (or beyond) its expected lifespan. If any of these checks turn up something concerning, like a valve that won't reset, an anode rod that's fully consumed, or persistent rumbling even after a flush, ProFlow Plumbing can handle the deeper inspection and any repairs that go beyond routine upkeep.