# How to Keep the Water Heater in Your Massachusetts Home Maintained > If you haven’t thought of water heater maintenance lately, the fall season is a good time to tend to this valuable, yet often forgotten home appliance. [![water heater maintenance](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/water-heater-thumbs-up-300x225.jpg)](http://shutterstock.com)If you haven’t thought of water heater maintenance lately, the fall season is a good time to tend to this valuable, yet often forgotten home appliance. Read on to learn maintenance tasks you can perform, and which tasks you may want to ask your [plumbing professional](http://rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) to handle during [fall home maintenance](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/is-your-furnace-ready-for-winter.html). [![water heater maintenance](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/water-heater-thumbs-up-300x225.jpg)](http://shutterstock.com) ## Hot Water Temperature Water heater temperature is often set at 140 to 145 when shipped from the manufacturer. This is to help prevent legionellae bacteria from contaminating water heaters and piping. However, high hot water temperatures can cause scalding in a few seconds. To make hot water in your home safe for everyone, turn back the temperature to 120 degrees (which also [reduces water-heating costs](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/limiting-water-heating-costs.html) and slows corrosion), or install temperature-regulating devices in the kitchen and bathrooms. To test the temperature of your hot water, use a thermometer to measure temperature at the most distant outlet from the water heater. If the temperature is higher than 120, turn back the thermostat accordingly. Wait a few hours and test again. ## Water Heater Flushing Water heaters are prone to corrosion from mineral and sediment buildup inside the tank. Flush about one gallon of water from the drain valve each month to help remove buildup. The drain valve is located near the bottom of the tank. (Caution: do not touch the pressure and temperature relief valve near the top.) The water heater should be completely flushed of water once a year. Here’s how: - Turn off the gas valve, water inlet valve and the circuit breaker switch. - Hook up a water hose to the drain valve. - Extend the hose to a floor drain or bathtub (remember, you are draining 50 to 80 gallons of water). - Turn on the drain valve and let the tank completely drain. - Turn on the inlet water valve to continue flushing the tank for a few more minutes. - Turn off the drain valve to fill the tank. - Turn on the gas and electricity. For assistance with water heater maintenance, please contact us at [Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html). We serve homeowners throughout the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts. *Image via [Shutterstock.com](http://Shutterstock.com)* ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/water-heater-maintenance-2.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/water-heater-maintenance-2.html)