Had my water heater replaced in the spring and just got around to reading the manual attached to it since winter is coming up.
Maintenance
* 6 mths - Drain and look for sediment build up. If it minimal drain annually. If a lot, drain more regularly. If it's blocked with sediment call a repair person
* 6 mths - check the anode rod. If badly worn or depleted replace regulary.
If above look good at 6mths, check annually.
Annually
* Check flames. Should be mostly blue. If yellow call a repair person.
* Check relief value. If it works, good, if not call a repair person ( my last water heater started leaking at the relief valve)
5 years in have a repair person check the value
* Check air filter. Clean if dirty
then they gave instructions for replacing the gast valve and thermostat.
What's interesting is when pricing a new water heater they had warranties from 3yrs to 12yrs. From jump they letting you know how long they think it will last. Smh. Got one with a 6yr warranty. Let's see if I can make it last double.