🌡️ Heating, cooling & hot water
How often should you service your water heater?
Have your water heater inspected and flushed once a year; in hard-water areas, drain a few litres from the tank every 6 months.
Why it matters
Sediment and limescale collect at the bottom of the tank, which makes the heater less efficient, noisier and more likely to fail. A yearly look also catches a worn anode rod, a leaking valve or a gas problem early.
How to do it
- Turn off the power or gas and close the cold-water inlet before touching anything.
- Drain some water from the tank valve into a bucket until it runs clear.
- Test the pressure-relief valve by lifting its lever briefly: water should flow and stop again.
- Check the anode rod every 2–3 years and replace it when it is mostly eaten away.
- For gas models, ask a licensed technician to check the burner, flue and connections.
In your HouseKiper schedule
Water heater maintenance: once a year. Flushing sediment and checking the anode greatly extends its life. Get a reminder when it is due.
Related tasks
Gas heating inspection
Once a year
Air conditioner service
Once a year
Check gas connections and hoses
Once a year
Replace the water filter
Every 6 months
See it in a checklist
This job is part of the complete home maintenance checklist and of the fall checklist, first-time homeowner checklist and the apartment checklist.