Tank or tankless. Below is everything your water heater needs to stay safe and efficient — sorted into what's critical, what saves money, and what's optional. Each task shows how often to do it, whether it's DIY, and what it typically costs.
The temperature & pressure-relief valve is a safety device that prevents the tank from over-pressurizing.
A stuck TPR valve turns a water heater into a dangerous pressure vessel.
How & when to do itSediment buildup wastes energy and corrodes the tank from the inside.
A ruptured tank that floods the floor — and a surprise $1,200 replacement.
How & when to do itThe sacrificial anode rod corrodes so the tank doesn't; replacing a spent rod can double tank life.
Once the rod is gone, the tank rusts from the inside and fails years early.
How & when to do it120°F is hot enough for comfort and safety while saving energy and preventing scalding.
Higher settings waste energy and risk scald burns, especially for kids.
How & when to do it