 Check your Temperature Pressure Relief valve at least once a year. Why do it? The TPR relieves pressure in the tank if the pressure gets to great or the temperature gets to hot This could prevent a explosion that could cause great damage or personal injury and at very least require a new water heater. It is easy and to check the TPR valve just lift the lever on the end of the TPR valve, Be careful the valve will expel very hot water! Be sure that the outlet of the valve and or valve piping directs the Hot water to a safe place After expelling about a gallon of hot water release the lever, the water should stop flowing. If the water stops flowing the TPR is OK. If the valve does not expel water or does not stop the water, the valve is defective and needs to be replaced.
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 All Water Heaters should be flushed at a minimum of once a year, more often in areas that have bad water. Why do it?
Gas type tank heater need to be flushed to prevent the buildup of sediment on the bottom of the water heater tank, when sediment builds up it causes the tank bottom to overheat leading to premature tank failure.
Electric type tank heaters the impurities in the water attach to the electric elements preventing the proper transfer of heat from the elements to the water causing premature element failure.
To flush a tank type water heater turn the gas water heater to pilot and the electric heater off at the breaker, then turn the water off and open the drain valve at the bottom of the heater. Open the TPR valve to allow air into the tank and drain the water heater. When the water heater is empty open the cold water inlet have and let the water run until it runs clear. When the water runs clear close the drain valve and allow the heater to fill, open a hot water faucet in the building and keep open until water flows for several minutes the close the faucet. You may now turn the gas heater back to on and turn the electric heater on at the breaker. It will take about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes before the water is back to temperature.
 Tankless Water Heaters Require Flushing to remove the sediment and buildup of mineral deposits in the heat exchanger failure to flush these heaters can void the heater warranty and will cause premature failure of the heater exchanger and prevent the proper operation of flow controls that regulate the temperature of the water.
To flush a tankless heater requires the use of a solution tank with a pump, in this procedure a solution of cleaner or white vinegar is circulated through the heat exchanger for approximately 45 minutes. After the heater exchanger is cleaned it must be flushed with clear water. Most water heater manufactures has special requirements to allow for flushing of tankless water heaters, it is recommended that you follow their instructions or call a professional.
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 Good housecleaning with modern water heaters is very important. all gas appliances use air to mix with the gas to allow combustion. If dust, hair, lint block the combustion air inlets the water heaters will not operate correctly. If this condition persists the heater will overheat and safety devices within the heater will cause it to shut down and in some heater permently damage the heater.
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 Anode Rods keep a tank water heater from deteriorating. When water passes through a water heater a electrolytic process begins, this process creates a positive charge that attracts the negative charged metal from the tank. a anode rod interrupts this process by providing a readily available negatively charge substitute. Over years the anode rod gives of itself until it is exhausted, the electrolytic process is still absorbing the metal and starts to deteriorate the tank. By installing new anode rods every couple of years depending on the water quality you can extend the life of the water heater.
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