Your Annual Water Heater Maintenance Checklist

By the Hot Water NJ Team · Updated March 9, 2026 · 7 min read

Fifteen minutes a year of the right maintenance can add years to your water heater's life. Here's the checklist we use.

Water heaters are easy to ignore—until they fail. A little annual attention prevents most failures, cuts your bills, and adds years of life. Here's the checklist our techs work through, and what you can do yourself.

Once a year

• Flush the tank to clear sediment (the single most important task)
• Test the T&P relief valve to confirm it operates
• Check for any moisture, rust, or corrosion around the base and fittings
• Inspect the venting on gas units for blockages or corrosion
• Confirm the thermostat is set to 120°F

Every 2–3 years

• Inspect the anode rod and replace it if more than half consumed
• Have a pro check burner and combustion on gas units
• Verify the expansion tank is charged correctly (if installed)

DIY vs. call a pro

You can safely check the temperature setting and look for leaks yourself. Flushing, anode-rod replacement, and combustion checks are better left to a technician—done wrong, a flush can stir sediment into the valve or a gas check can miss a venting issue. Our maintenance service covers all of it.

Why bother

• Adds years to the unit's life
• Keeps energy bills lower by maintaining efficiency
• Catches small problems before they become floods
• Often required to keep the manufacturer's warranty valid

Make it easy

Set a reminder for the same month each year—many homeowners pick the start of fall, before winter demand peaks. Or let us handle it on a schedule. Call 973-834-8833 to set up annual service.