How to Maintain a Water Heater

Step 1 - Shut Off the Unit

Turn off the electricity to the water heater or turn off the gas to extinguish the pilot light. Shut off the cold-water inlet to the water heater.

Step 2 - Pull the Trip Lever

Position a bucket to catch water from the pressure relief valve, and then pull the trip lever on the valve to release the water. Be careful as the water can be very hot. If you don't see any water coming out of the t&p valve, drain the tank and replace the valve.

Step 3 - Replace the Valve

To replace the valve, remove the discharge pipe, and unscrew the valve from the water heater. Note the stem length and buy an exact replacement. Screw the new valve into place, tightening with a wrench. Reattach the discharge pipe, turn on the water, purge the air and either reconnect the electricity or restart the pilot light according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 1 - Turn Off the Unit

Turn off the electricity to the water heater or turn off the gas to extinguish the pilot. Shut off the cold-water inlet to the water heater. Open a faucet and run the water until it goes cold.

Step 2 - Connect a Hose

Connect a garden hose to the tank's drain valve. Place the hose’s draining end in an area that can handle several gallons of hot water.

Step 3 - Open the Drain Valve

Turn off the water, open the drain valve and let the tank drain completely and letting the water run until it is clear and sediment is not coming out ensures that you've removed all the sediment you can.

Step 4 - Close the Valve

Close the tank drain valve, disconnect the hose from the valve and close the pressure relief valve. Open all the hot-water spigots in the house to remove any air that may have been introduced into the system. Close the spigots once air stops coming from the faucet. and turn on the cold-water inlet to the tank.

Step 5 - Turn the Unit Back On

Close each hot-water spigot as water begins to flow from it. After closing all the spigots, Turn on the electricity to the water heater, or turn the gas switch to run. Following the instructions on the water heater, the pilot light may need to be relit.

Step 1 - Turn Off the Unit

Turn off the electricity to the water heater. If this is a gas water heater, skip to step 3.

Step 2 - Open the Access Panel 

Use a screwdriver to remove the access panel that’s typically found on the front of your water heater. Remove the panel carefully, making sure to avoid wiring and components.

Step 3 - Adjust the Temperature 

Locate the thermostat temperature dial, control knob or LCD display. Once you determine the current setting, adjust the temperature to fit your household needs, which is typically no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember to be careful when adjusting your unit’s thermostat. Setting the temperature too high will create dangerous, scalding hot water, and setting it too low can allow bacteria to grow.



Step 4 - Replace the Cover

Replace the cover, and turn on the power to the water heater. Monitor the new temperature and make adjustments as needed by following these steps again.

Step 1 - Turn Off the Unit

Turn off the electricity to the water heater or turn off the gas to extinguish the pilot. Open a facet to run the water cold.

Step 2 - Locate the Rod

Locate the sacrificial anode rod. This water heater component typically hangs down into the tank from the top.

Step 3 - Drain some water from the water heater.

Shut off the incoming cold water. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve. Open the drain valve and let a few gallons of water drain from the water heater.

Step 4 - Remove the Rod

Using an electric impact wrench, use a 1 1/16 deep well socket to remove the anode. 

Step 5 - Inspect the Rod

Perform a visual inspection. A rod in good working condition should be smooth and around a half inch in diameter. If the sacrificial anode rod shows signs of deterioration or has several inches of exposed core wire, replace it.

Step 6 - Install a New Rod If Necessary

Determine the type of sacrificial anode rod your water heater needs, typically magnesium, aluminum or zinc. Install the new part in place of the old one, making sure to properly align all parts and secure all threaded screws.



Step 7 - Turn the Unit Back On

Refill the water heater, purge all the air from the tank by running a faucet for several minutes. Turn the power on or relight the pilot light, and check for leaks.

Step 1 - Measure and Prep

Measure the pipes, and choose insulation materials like foam sleeves that precisely match the dimensions you need. Prepare the insulation material according to instructions.

Step 2 - Install Insulation and Tape Seams

Install the insulation materials, starting with the water heater tank and working your way out. Use foam tape to secure the insulation so that there are no gaps or overlapping areas.

Step 1

The most common problem with electric water heaters is turning the power on before the tank is completely full of water. If this happens, the upper heating element will burn out, and you’ll have no hot water until the upper element is replaced.

Step 2

To replace the top or bottom heating element, disconnect power to the unit and drain the water heater tank. Disconnect the wires from the element and loosen it using an element wrench. Unscrew the element and pull it straight out. Insert the new element in its place and tighten using the element wrench. Reconnect the wiring and prepare to refill the tank.

Step 3

Open a hot-water faucet all the way and let the water run for 3 minutes. This ensures all of the air has been removed and the tank is completely full of water. When the tank is full, turn the power on. If you don't have hot water after 2 hours, check to make sure the unit is getting the correct voltage. (See the unit’s label for power requirements.) No electric power or the wrong voltage causes many electric water heater problems, so you may need an electrician to solve wiring or power problems.

Step 1 - Shut Off the Unit

Turn off the electricity to the water heater or turn off the gas to extinguish the pilot light.

Step 2 - Pull the Trip Lever

Position a bucket to catch water from the pressure relief valve if it doesn’t have a discharge pipe, and then pull the trip lever on the valve to release the water. This will flush any material that could be stuck in the seal. Be careful as the water can be very hot. If you don't see any water coming out of the t&p valve, drain the tank and replace the valve. If the valve continues to drip and you have proper water pressure and a correctly charged expansion tank, Replace the t&p valve.

Step 3 - Replace the Valve

To replace the valve, remove the discharge pipe, and unscrew the valve from the water heater. Note the stem length and buy an exact replacement. Screw the new valve into place, tightening with a wrench. Reattach the discharge pipe, turn on the water and either reconnect the electricity or restart the pilot light according to the manufacturer's instructions.