Water Heater Inspection Checklist
Use this checklist to evaluate the current health of your water heater. Follow these three steps:
- Inspect your water heater and look for the risk factors listed below.
- Note any items that apply to your situation, organized by risk level.
- Call Barnett Plumbing with your findings or to schedule a FREE Water Heater Inspection. No pressure. No obligation. Call (925) 321-0030.
High Risk: Act Immediately
If any of these apply, contact us immediately. These are signs of an active or imminent failure.
- Water is leaking from my hot water tank. Rings or discoloration on the floor can be signs of a slow leak.
- There is corrosion on the fittings or pipes going into or out of my tank. Corrosion can make pipe or fittings look green, white, or rust-colored. It has a thick, chalky texture.
Medium Risk: Schedule Service Soon
These signs indicate your water heater is declining. Schedule service soon to avoid an emergency.
- My water heater is 6 years old or older. Look for the manufacture date on a sticker on the tank. Most water heaters last 8 to 12 years.
- I run out of hot water quickly. Difficulty sustaining a long hot shower is a common warning sign.
- Discolored water comes out of my hot water faucets. Hot water should be just as clear as cold water. Discoloration may indicate rust inside the tank.
- I have less hot water pressure. Run cold water then hot water from the same faucet. If the hot side has noticeably less pressure, sediment buildup may be the cause.
Low Risk: Monitor and Maintain
These issues are not urgent but are worth monitoring and discussing with a technician.
- My water heater makes unusual noises. Popping, hammering, screeching, or sizzling sounds can indicate sediment buildup. An occasional ticking noise is normal.
- My temperature dial is set higher than “Medium.” Running a water heater on “High” is inefficient and wastes money. It is not a safety risk, but it is worth correcting.
Maintenance You Should Be Doing
Routine maintenance extends the life of your water heater and helps catch problems early.
- Flush the tank every year to remove sediment buildup that reduces efficiency and shortens lifespan.
- Check the anode rod every 2 to 3 years. This sacrificial rod protects your tank from corrosion. Replace it when it is more than 50 percent depleted.
- Test the pressure relief valve annually. Lift the lever briefly to confirm it opens and closes properly.
- Inspect the area around the tank every few months for signs of moisture, rust, or mineral deposits.
Ready for an Inspection?
Whether you need an inspection, a repair, or a full replacement, our experienced technicians are ready to help. We serve Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon, Danville, and the surrounding Tri-Valley communities.
Call us at (925) 321-0030 or contact us online to schedule your FREE Water Heater Inspection. No pressure. No obligation.