Reliance maintenance follows the same schedule as the AO Smith family. Disciplined maintenance — particularly anode rod replacement — is the difference between hitting the 6-year warranty and lasting 12-15+ years.
Monthly
- Hybrid (HPHE): vacuum air filter, check condensate drain for blockage
- All units: visual inspection of T&P discharge tube (should be dry — wet = thermal expansion issue)
Every 6 months
- T&P test: manually lift the lever briefly. Water should discharge and stop. Drips after = failed valve, replace
- Hybrid: wipe condensate pan and drain port
Annually
- Flush the tank: see flush guide. Removes sediment that reduces efficiency
- Visual inspection: all fittings, gas connection, electrical disconnect, drain pan
- Check thermostat setting: 120°F is the sweet spot for safety + energy + Legionella prevention
- Gas units: verify pilot flame is steady blue. Yellow = combustion problem
- Burner inspection: remove burner cover, vacuum lint and dust from the FVIR intake screen
Every 3-5 years
- Anode rod inspection: unscrew hex head on top of tank. Rod should still have ½"+ of magnesium. Below ¼" or core wire exposed = replace immediately. See anode rod page
- Aggressive water: annual anode inspection; replace every 2-3 years
Every 5-7 years
- Element test (electric): ohms test on both elements. Open = element failed, replace. See element test guide
- Drain valve replacement: swap plastic for brass ball valve if not already done
Event-based
- After a flood or basement water event: inspect bottom for corrosion; check pilot/electronics for water damage
- After a freeze with no heat: check for cracked tank or split lines before restarting
- If hot water tastes/smells off: shock chlorinate the tank; consider switching from magnesium to aluminum-zinc anode
Hybrid-specific (HPHE)
- Air filter: monthly vacuum, quarterly wash
- Coil cleaning: annually, use coil cleaner spray
- Condensate pump (if used): annual cleaning of inlet screen
- Mode review: set to "Hybrid" or "Efficiency" for normal use; reserve "Electric" or "Vacation" for special cases
Mini-Tank (SOMS)
- Annual flush of tank
- Verify ECO reset operation
- Inspect inlet/outlet fittings for slow leaks (small tanks are leak-sensitive)
Bottom line
Annual flush + 4-year anode check is the difference between 8-year and 14-year tank life. For hybrid, add monthly filter and condensate checks. For mini-tank, annual flush only.