Homeowner Guide
The Florida Water Heater Maintenance Checklist
A Florida-specific routine: humidity, hard water, and hurricane season accounted for.
Generic water heater advice assumes a dry basement in Ohio. Valrico heaters live in humid garages, drink hard water, and face hurricane season. This is the maintenance checklist our own technicians follow.
Every 6 Months
- Visual leak scan: check the base, valves, and fittings for moisture, crust, or rust. Takes two minutes.
- T&P valve test: lift the lever briefly — water should flow, then stop completely when released. If it drips afterward, schedule replacement.
- Garage ventilation check: make sure vents aren't blocked; stagnant humid air accelerates corrosion.
Annually
- Full flush: drain sediment until water runs clear. In Florida, this is non-negotiable.
- Anode rod inspection: pull it and check — if it's down to the wire or coated in calcium, replace it.
- Pressure check: a $10 gauge on an outdoor spigot should read 40–80 PSI. Higher means a regulator or expansion issue.
- Shutoff drill: make sure every household member can find and close the heater's water valve and breaker.
Before Hurricane Season (June)
- Verify tank strapping is tight and anchored.
- Confirm the leak pan drain is clear and terminates outside.
- Clear the area around the heater — projectiles and clutter cause post-storm damage.
- Know your shutoff sequence by heart.
Every 2–4 Years
Replace the anode rod, upgrade any remaining plastic valves to brass, and have a pro inspect the venting (gas) or wiring (electric). Want it handled? Call (833) 713-2101 — maintenance visits are quick and inexpensive.
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