A water heater in the basement of a home.

Basic Water Heater Maintenance

Updated June 2, 2021 . AmFam Team

Keeping your water heater in working condition can save you from a brutal cold shower and expensive replacement costs. Check out our tips for keeping your water heater working seamlessly throughout the year.

You might only appreciate your water heater in the winter months when it provides comforting hot showers and relaxing warm baths, but paying attention to it year-round can save you from spending too much money — and a brutal cold shower. We’ve put together a list of tips that will help you keep your water heater in prime condition and spot trouble long before it hits.

Give Your Water Heater a Checkup

Getting a good look at your water heater’s current health can help you keep it in good shape and prepare for when you’ll need a new one. Take a look at our tips for finding out your water heater’s health and knowing when to fix it.

Check your water heater’s age. If your water heater is already acting up and isn’t as efficient as it used to be, it’s worth checking its age. When you purchased your home, you should have received documents with information on all included appliances. Look for the model and serial numbers, too, and do some research on how long your water heater’s life span typically is.

Test the pressure relief valve. Corrosive materials can build up inside your water heater and make it ineffective at its job. When that happens, it’ll often corrode its pressure relief valve, too. The valve lets off pressure when it gets too high inside the heater. It’s often located at the top of the heater with a downspout aimed down at a drain. Push the lever to release water, being careful to avoid the hot water being released. If water doesn’t come out, call a professional to replace it as soon as possible.

Check for leaks. Look on the floor near your water heater for any dripping or standing water, plus any water near connected valves or pipes. A leak could mean a higher water bill and a less-than-efficient water heater, so consult a professional as soon as possible if you find one. Check out how a water leak sensor can help prevent costly water damage

Flush the tank once per year. Emptying your tank and filling it with fresh water is a great way to figure out how the inner-workings of your water heater are faring. First, turn your water heater off. Turn the water heater’s temperature control to off, too. Locate its cold-water supply and turn it off, as well. Then, open a hot water faucet in a tub or sink nearby to reduce the pressure in your pipes. Attach a hose to the water heater’s drain valve, put the other end of a hose in a deep bucket, and let the water loose. Be careful to use a bucket that can withstand very hot water. Look for any sediment in the water that might indicate the need for inspection or repairs, then dispose of the water once it’s cooled.

Check your pilot light. If you have a gas water heater, it’ll have a pilot light that serves as the ignitor for the gas that heats your water. If your flame appears to be weak, more yellow than orange or flickers, have it checked out by a professional immediately.

Get a yearly water heater inspection. Having your water heater professionally checked out can save you from some complicated and potentially dangerous tasks. A professional will take a look at your water heater’s anode rod, which helps keep corrosive materials out of your water, and should not be tested by anyone not trained to do so.

If you’re not one-hundred percent comfortable performing any of the above actions, don’t be afraid to hire a licensed professional.

Basic Water Heater Best Practices

Even if your water heater is working perfectly, you can still make it more efficient and adjust its settings to save you money. Here are some of our tips for making your water heater work better — and cheaper — for you.

Insulate your heater and pipes. Buying insulation from a hardware store and using it to keep your heater and pipes from losing too much heat can save you plenty of money on your monthly heating bill. When having a professional come in to give an inspection, ask them for advice on installation and if they offer the service themselves.

Adjust your water heater’s temperature. If you can stand to give up a few degrees in your morning shower, drop your heater’s thermostat about 10 degrees to save even more money on your heating bill.

Don’t use as much hot water. Using less hot water will be easier on your water heater and your heating bill. Weigh your options — would you rather have a tad less heat while you’re having a bath, or a few extra dollars in your pocket?

Protect Your Home with Customized Coverage

Actively maintaining your water heater is more than just a good economic choice — it’s a good choice for you and your family’s safety. To get even more peace of mind, get in touch with your American Family Insurance agent (Opens in a new tab) and make sure your policy has all the right coverages.

Want more tips for keeping your home in great shape? Head to our home maintenance hub for more tips and resources on how to maintain your home all year long.

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    20 Questions to Ask When Renting an Apartment

    Choosing your new apartment isn’t an impulse decision. The choice you make will have an impact for a long time. There are many different things to consider as you tour one possible home after another. On top of that, landlords and management companies work hard to make them all seem perfect.

    How can you tell which one’s the right fit for you? Here are 20 key questions to ask when renting an apartment. The answers can give you a better idea of what you’d get from each one.

    How Much is Rent & the Security Deposit?

    Any apartment hunter should ask themself this crucial question: “How much should I spend on rent?” Setting a budget ahead of the search helps narrow the possibilities. You’ll save time by eliminating options that are too expensive.

    Still, relying on online listings alone may not be enough. It’s better to personally ask the landlord, whether by calling, emailing, or visiting. Make sure to also bring up the security deposit, as well as any other upfront costs they may ask of you. This will save you from unpleasant surprises before you sign anything.

    How Much are Utilities and What Do I Cover?

    Every apartment complex handles utilities differently. Water, electricity, air conditioning, heating, gas, and more may be split between landlord and tenant. Then there is the matter of which ones you’ll need to get yourself. Your apartment may come with cable and wi-fi, but you may be responsible for them on your own.

    Only your landlord will know for sure, and they should be clear about what’s expected of you. Before leasing an apartment, you should ask what utilities are available and which ones are covered. Record the answers, factor the costs into your budget, and look for the place that offers the most for the least.

    How Does Parking Work?

    Some apartment complexes have their own parking lots, with many spaces reserved for tenants and a few set aside for guests. Others may give residents access to a dedicated structure, providing greater security — but possibly at a higher cost. Others still may only offer street parking, which can be expensive to maintain.

    In short, parking may be a complex situation involving specific locations and extra costs. If you have a car, don’t just ask if parking is available. Get the details. As you weigh your options, consider what’s best for your car as well.

    What’s the Pet Policy & Is There a Deposit or Fee?

    The pet policy won’t matter to every apartment hunter. If you have a furry friend or might want one someday, make this one of their first questions to ask when touring an apartment. A “no” answer is no deal, no matter how great the other perks may be.

    Some landlords may allow pets if you pay a one-time deposit or additional monthly fees. Make sure to keep that in mind during your search.

    What Amenities are Included?

    Utilities cover the most vital parts of a home — the things that make living there comfortable. Amenities are the complex’s welcome bonuses — the things that make living there enjoyable. Common examples include clubhouses, swimming pools, public kitchens, communal laundry machines, and fitness rooms.

    Amenities are great for those who use them, but their presence can justify higher rent. As your landlord takes you through each selling point on your tour, ask them whether these perks are included with your price. Also, make sure to consider if you’ll even use them.

    Do I Need Renters Insurance?

    Home insurance is for houses. If you live in an apartment, you look for renters insurance instead. In fact, some places make it mandatory for all residents. Be sure to ask your landlord in advance so you can make any arrangements you need.

    This practice is all about liability. Landlords have their own insurance, but it’s based on their duties and would only cover their share of the damages. Renters insurance offers protection for your living space and your belongings. Even if it’s not required, getting your own policy could bring you peace of mind.

    Can You Describe the Application Process?

    Applying for an apartment can be complicated and time-consuming. You might have to pay fees, undergo background checks and other screenings, and more just to see if you qualify. This may be preferable to the alternative: apartment listings that promise no credit check may be scams.

    You could always learn about each step of the application process as you go. Still, it never hurts to know ahead of time, especially if there are any fees and risks. If anything is unclear, the landlord should explain it to you.

    What Should I Know About Rent Increases?

    A variety of factors can change the value of an apartment. Examples include market shifts, new installations, repairs and replacements of fixtures. Your rent will likely not change for the duration of your lease. Once the time comes to sign again, though, your monthly payments may very well go up.

    This may not seem like a pertinent question when starting a lease. Still, making it one of your questions to ask when touring an apartment could be useful. How your potential future landlord approaches the matter can tell you what to expect. At the very least, it can help you choose whether to look for a new place well before your lease ends.

    What are the Lease Length Options?

    How long are you looking to stay at your next apartment? One year, two years, longer, less? Not everyone has a plan in mind, which means the apartment’s available options may give you an idea of what to expect in the future.

    Landlords always inform apartment hunters about the duration of their lease. However, you might need to probe them for other available options. Be sure to make this one of your questions to ask before leasing an apartment, even if they only mention one length that sounds good. They might have something better.

    Can I Make Changes to the Rental Unit?

    Your apartment may come pre-furnished, but it’s unlikely to be pre-decorated. Few people are content with blank walls and sparse spaces. Most prefer to personalize and beautify their home with art, decorations and other belongings.

    Unlike houses, apartments usually only have temporary residents. The building’s owner may not allow certain kinds of changes, believing they may hurt the unit’s future value. Take the time to go over policies. That way, you can get a better idea of how you’ll make your space feel like a home.

    How Do Maintenance Requests Work?

    Besides rent, tenants might only interact with their landlord through maintenance requests. After all, it’s the complex owner’s duty to keep everything in their apartments running smoothly. If your shower stops pumping heated water or your lock gets sticky, maintenance will get it fixed.

    Asking about the process of filing maintenance requests can give insights to how landlords view this responsibility. Does the process seem straightforward or complicated? Are approvals easy, or do they require a great deal of evidence and demonstration? The answers may reveal how long this landlord will let you live with inconvenience. Few questions to ask about apartments are more revealing than this.

    What’s the Guest Policy?

    In most cases, a guest policy doesn’t apply to someone who’s just visiting for a few hours. It covers situations where someone might want to stay at a tenant’s apartment for a few days or longer. Depending on the terms of the policy, you might even need permission for someone to spend the night.

    Don’t just assume that any landlord would be okay with your best friend crashing on your couch for a while. Get the details on the guest policy before moving in. They’ll tell you what permissions they’d grant and how you can get them granted.

    What’s the Neighborhood Like?

    The oldest real estate myth holds that three factors must guide where you choose to live: “location, location, location.” There’s more to it than that, as this list of questions to ask when renting an apartment should make clear. Still, the area around the complex is important to consider.

    Getting info on the neighborhood is valuable to any apartment hunt. Try to get your landlord’s perspective about any areas of concern. We also recommend exploring on your own, both by car and on foot. See if any useful places are close by, such as grocery stores.

    How Soon are You Looking to Fill the Unit?

    In most cases, you won’t be the only person viewing an apartment. Others have likely received a grand tour, and others may be waiting in line to see the place as well. Landlords might be screening you as much as you’re screening them.

    Landlords are also usually interested in starting a new lease as soon as the current one ends. One way to get noticed is to strike quickly: ask when they’d want you to move in. You should still weigh your options, but don’t procrastinate.

    Do I Need a Cosigner?

    People with rental history have a record that landlords can review. If this is your first time paying rent, they won’t know if they can trust you to make payments on time and consistently. Adding a cosigner to the contract can make it easier. Their signature promises that even if you can’t pay rent, someone else can pay for you.

    Many renters with no history may worry about background checks and credit checks. However, there are some landlords who won’t ask for them. While the answer will likely be a yes, it doesn’t hurt to have it on a list of first-time renter questions.

    What Payment Methods are Accepted?

    Rent payments can take a variety of forms. Before you make any assumptions, though, you should double-check what’s allowed. Each place will have its own policies. Some offer more payment method options than others.

    You might be able to set up a regular automatic withdrawal from your bank account. You might have to do it online. The landlord might accept checks or cards (warning: anyone who only takes cash is likely a scammer). There’s only one way to know for sure.

    What Furnishings & Appliances are Included?

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    How Much Notice Do You Give Before You or a Representative Shows Up at the Property?

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    What’s Your Late Fee Policy?

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    What’s Your Subletting Policy?

    Subletting is when a renter temporarily moves out and lets someone else cover their lease. A landlord may refuse to rent to your candidate if they don’t meet their requirements.

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    Know the Best Questions to Ask When Renting an Apartment

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    Renters Insurance from American Family Insurance

    Even while you’re still apartment-hunting, it’s never too early to start thinking about renters insurance. If you have any questions about that, feel free to contact an American Family Insurance agent. Once you’ve learned what we have to offer, you can get a quote online and get protection for your next home.

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    Your home is more than a roof over your head. It’s where your dreams grow, your family thrives and memories are made. But the possessions you keep inside are important, too.

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    When your describing the items in your list, remember that the more information, the better. Here’s a quick reference list of the type of information you should include in your home inventory list:

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    Why Do I Need a Home Inventory?

    Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, everyone can benefit from a home inventory!

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