Residential Water Heater Inspection and Maintenance Checklist
This residential water heater inspection and maintenance checklist provides a systematic annual evaluation framework for tank-style and tankless water heaters in apartment buildings and rental properties. Water heater failures represent one of the most common property damage claims - the average water heater failure causes over $10,000 in water damage. Beyond property damage, improperly maintained water heaters create scalding risks, Legionella growth conditions, and carbon monoxide hazards. ASH
- Industry: Property Management
- Frequency: Annually / Anode Rod Every 3-5 Years
- Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes per unit
- Role: Maintenance Technician / Licensed Plumber
- Total Items: 28
- Compliance: NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code, ASHRAE 188 Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems, OSHA 29 CFR 1926.152 (Hot Water Safety), UPC Uniform Plumbing Code Section 501, IPC International Plumbing Code Chapter 5
Temperature and Pressure Safety
T&P relief valve and temperature settings are the most critical safety items.
- Temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve present and correct rating?
- T&P discharge pipe installed, directed to drain, and not blocked?
- T&P valve tested by lifting lever briefly (water flows then stops cleanly)?
- Water temperature set at 120F (49C) to prevent scalding while inhibiting Legionella?
- Actual hot water temperature at nearest tap (degrees F)
- Thermal expansion tank installed (required in closed systems with backflow preventer)?
Tank and Component Condition
Physical inspection of water heater tank and components.
- No rust, corrosion, or moisture accumulation on tank exterior?
- No leaks at water connections, fittings, or tank body?
- Anode rod inspected or replaced (every 3-5 years)?
- Tank flushed to remove sediment (connect hose to drain valve)?
- Drain valve functional and not leaking?
- Tank insulation blanket in good condition (if installed)?
Gas or Electric System Safety
Inspect fuel source and ignition/heating components.
- All gas connections tight with no detectable gas odor (use detector)?
- Pilot light stable and correct color (steady blue, not yellow/orange)?
- Electronic ignition or thermocouple functional (burner lights reliably)?
- Electric heating element(s) operational (heating water within expected time)?
- Thermostat setting and actual output temperature consistent?
Venting and Combustion Air
Verify safe venting of combustion gases.
- Flue/vent pipe connected, undamaged, and properly pitched upward?
- No evidence of back-drafting (soot, condensation, or rust around draft hood)?
- Adequate combustion air supply to water heater location?
- CO levels acceptable at water heater location?
- Required clearances from combustibles maintained around unit?
Documentation and Replacement Planning
Document condition and plan for replacement when appropriate.
- Water heater age documented (first two digits of serial number often indicate year)?
- Warranty status checked and documented?
- Water heater replacement included in capital expense budget if over 8 years old?
- Service log updated with this inspection findings?
- Work orders created for any deficiencies requiring follow-up?
- Licensed plumber required for any repair found (gas connections, T&P valve replacement)?
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Why Use This Residential Water Heater Inspection and Maintenance Checklist?
This residential water heater inspection and maintenance checklist helps property management teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for maintenance technician / licensed plumber professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: annually / anode rod every 3-5 years.
Ensures compliance with NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code, ASHRAE 188 Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems, OSHA 29 CFR 1926.152 (Hot Water Safety), UPC Uniform Plumbing Code Section 501, IPC International Plumbing Code Chapter 5, ANSI Z21.10 Gas Water Heaters, UK Building Regulations Part G (Hot Water), Australia AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Residential Water Heater Inspection and Maintenance Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 5 sections: Temperature and Pressure Safety, Tank and Component Condition, Gas or Electric System Safety, Venting and Combustion Air, Documentation and Replacement Planning. It is designed for property management operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed annually / anode rod every 3-5 years. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes per unit.
Who should use this Residential Water Heater Inspection and Maintenance Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Maintenance Technician / Licensed Plumber professionals in the property management industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.