What Do the Manufacturer’s Recommend?
ALL manufacturers recommend some routine preventive maintenance be performed to prolong water heater life and increase its safety and efficiency. The following are excerpts from the manuals of several major water heater manufacturers regarding suggested basic preventive maintenance:
AO Smith, GSW, John Wood, Moffat & State:
Tank Draining
Once every 6 months
Relief Valve
Test at least once per year
Sacrificial Anode
Check after 3 years, then check annually;
Replace if average diameter is less than 3/8” or 1/3 of core wire shows
Rheem, Ruud & Richmond:
Tank Draining
Once every month
Relief Valve
Periodically, test at least once per year
Sacrificial Anode
Check once per year;
Replace if more than 6” of core wire showing at either end
Bradford-White:
Tank Draining
Once every month
Relief Valve
Test at least once per year
Sacrificial Anode
Check every 2 years, more if softened;
Replace when necessary
Gemco and Giant:
Tank Draining
At least once per year
Relief Valve
At least once per year
Sacrificial Anode
Check every 2 years;
Replace if more than half is consumed
Please keep in mind that all of the manufacturers have many different units available, many with their own manual and recommendations that may vary slightly for different models.
Similar routine & simple preventive maintenance is specified by all the manufacturers to help ensure the safety, efficiency and longevity of your water heater. By adhering to these recommendations, you’re helping your water heater, helping the environment and helping your wallet all at the same time. Take care of your water heater and ensure it is able to live a long and happy life – It’ll take care of you in return!
Tank draining is performed to remove sediment and scale that has accumulated in your tank. These will affect the operation of your water heater, reducing its efficiency, cleanliness and most of all, its longevity.
T&P relief valve testing is performed to ensure this safety device is functioning properly and is not stuck or plugged up from an accumulation of deposits. It is a safety valve protecting the tank and its surroundings in the event an over pressurization of the tank should occur.
Sacrificial anode inspection and replacement is performed to ensure you have an effective corrosion protection device in place. If it is not replaced before it becomes unusable, you're water heater will start to corrode internally and succumb to premature failure.