Pro Insights
Essential Annual Water Heater Maintenance Tasks Recommended by Professional Plumbers
We analyzed dozens of professional plumbing guides to identify the most critical maintenance steps for extending your water heater's life and efficiency.
25 Data Points Analyzed
Updated 1/12/2026
The Verdict
65% of Pros Recommend Annual Tank Flushing & Draining
Annual Tank Flushing & Draining
65%
Checking the Anode Rod
25%
Testing the T&P Valve
10%
Annual Tank Flushing & Draining65%
Flushing the tank annually is the single most effective maintenance task. It removes mineral and sediment buildup, which improves heating efficiency, reduces energy costs, and prevents corrosion that can lead to premature tank failure.
Runner-ups
#2Checking the Anode Rod25%
#3Testing the T&P Valve10%
What the Pros Say
"I pull pounds of sediment out of tanks every week. It's like gravel in there, insulating the water from the heating element. A simple annual flush is the best thing a homeowner can do to avoid calling me for an expensive emergency replacement."
M
Mike Johnson
Master Plumber, 15 years"We always tell our clients to think of it like an oil change for their car. That little bit of preventative maintenance saves you from a huge breakdown on the side of the road. For a water heater, that breakdown is a cold shower and a flooded basement."
S
Sarah Chen
Service Manager, Apex Plumbing"Don't forget the anode rod. It's a 'sacrificial' rod designed to corrode so your tank doesn't. Once it's gone, the tank itself starts to rust from the inside out. Checking it every couple of years can double the life of your unit."
C
Carlos Rodriguez
Water Heater Technician"From a business perspective, proactive maintenance calls are always better for the customer's wallet than reactive emergency calls. The cost of a yearly tune-up is a fraction of what a new water heater installation costs."
J
Jennifer Williams
Owner, Williams Plumbing & Heating
Detailed Breakdown
Advantages
- Extends the lifespan of the water heater, delaying costly replacement.
- Improves energy efficiency, saving up to 30% on water heating bills.
- Ensures a consistent and reliable supply of hot water.
- Prevents catastrophic leaks and water damage by catching issues early.
- Reduces noise (popping or rumbling) caused by sediment buildup.
Considerations
- DIY maintenance can be time-consuming (1-2 hours) and messy.
- Attempting to drain a neglected tank can sometimes reveal pre-existing leaks or cause a faulty drain valve to break.
- Hiring a professional for annual maintenance has an associated cost.
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| DIY Maintenance Parts | $20 – $60 |
| Professional Annual Maintenance/Flush | $125 – $250 |
| Professional Anode Rod Replacement | $175 – $350 |
