Water heating
Maintain a gas tank water heater
A gas tank water heater combines hot water, fuel, combustion air and venting. Routine observation is useful; burner, gas and venting work belongs to a qualified professional.
Recommended timingCheck monthly; professional service yearly
What to do
- Read the exact owner manual and keep the area, combustion-air openings and air-intake screen clear of lint, dust, storage and corrosive products.
- Look monthly for water, rust, soot, damaged venting or scorching without removing burner covers or adjusting gas controls.
- Have a qualified plumber or gas-appliance technician perform the manufacturer-required annual maintenance, including burner, venting, safety controls and leak review.
- Use the separate tank-flushing and anode-rod guides only when the manufacturer calls for them; an older, neglected tank may be safer to assess professionally before disturbing a drain valve.
- Keep carbon-monoxide alarms installed and test them monthly.
If you smell gas or a carbon-monoxide alarm sounds, leave the area and follow emergency-service and gas-supplier instructions. Do not relight, adjust or dismantle gas components.
Official guidance and sources
Product instructions and local requirements take priority for the equipment or material installed at your home.