Water heaters

Water heater maintenance guide

Start with the manufacturer’s manual and the type of water heater you own. Regularly look for leaks and corrosion; tank and tankless units have different service requirements.

AssetWater heater
Start hereIdentify tank, tankless, gas, electric, or heat-pump type
Common tank careAnnual flushing is common manufacturer guidance
Important conditionHard water and model instructions can change the schedule

What to keep an eye on

Record the brand, model, serial number, installation date, warranty, and service history. During normal visual checks, look for water around the unit, corrosion at connections, unusual noises, and changes in hot-water performance. Contact a qualified professional for a leak, venting concern, gas issue, or a task you cannot complete safely.

Flushing is not one-size-fits-all

For many tank-style water heaters, manufacturers recommend periodic draining and flushing to address sediment. Rheem’s consumer guidance says annual flushing is typical for many homes and more frequent service may be appropriate with hard water. Tankless systems generally require model-specific descaling rather than the same tank-flush process. Follow the exact manual for the installed unit.

Sources and scope

This guide provides general planning context. The product manual and a qualified technician take priority for any particular unit.