Bradford White's tank-longevity reputation rests partly on real build quality and partly on the assumption that owners follow annual maintenance. Skip maintenance and a Bradford White lives 10-12 years like any other tank; follow it and you'll routinely get 17-20 years.
Annual maintenance — every year
1. Clean the intake filter (Defender / ICON only)
The Bradford White-specific task that competitors don't have. See our intake filter cleaning guide — this is the #1 maintenance item for Defender/ICON owners.
2. Flush the tank
Sediment management. Bradford White does NOT have Hydrojet (that's AO Smith) — flushing is purely manual. Procedure: shut off power/gas, shut off cold inlet, open hot faucet, drain via drain valve, refill while hot faucet runs.
3. Test T&P relief valve
Flip lever fully open for 1-2 seconds. Water rushes out; should stop within seconds. Continued drip = replace valve.
4. Visual leak inspection
Around tank base, connections, T&P discharge.
Every 3 years
Inspect the anode rod
Bradford White ships magnesium anodes standard (the aluminum-zinc upgrade is available through dealers). Magnesium depletes faster than AO Smith's Coregard — inspection cycle is 3 years vs 5 on AO Smith. See our anode rod page.
Year 5 milestones
- Replace anode rod — magnesium typically 75%+ consumed by year 5
- Replace T&P valve — preventive
- Replace plastic drain valve with brass if not already done
- Check elements (M-I electric)
AeroTherm-specific maintenance
- Clean air filter every 3 months
- Compressor coil clean every 2 years
- Condensate drain inspection every 6 months
- Anode check year 4, replace year 6
Infiniti GR tankless maintenance
- Annual descaling required to maintain warranty
- Inlet filter clean annually
- Vent termination clean annually
Bottom line
The two annual non-skip items for Defender/ICON: intake filter cleaning + flush. Add anode replacement at year 5 and T&P replacement at year 5 and you'll see Bradford White's reputation play out. For specific parts see our parts directory.