Jim Connors: Hi! I am Jim Connors with Rheem Manufacturing Company. I am showing you today how to maintain your water heater and now I am going to give you some tips on maintaining your gas water heater.

Gas water heaters have changed a great deal in the past several years. In part due to some regulatory requirements, but also in effort to make the water heaters more efficient. Rheem's unique gas water heater design requires only minimum maintenance and dose not have any filter to clean.

However, in order to get the life and performance your expect from your gas water heater, we recommend some basic maintenance. Always keep the area around your water heater free of flammable liquids, debris, or combustible materials. For proper burner operations and ventilation, make sure the flow of air to the water heater is not restricted.

Visually inspect your pilot light and burner periodically through the side glass. Your owners manual should include information about what a proper combustion pattern would look like.

Finally, inspect the venting system periodically to make certain that connection from the water heater draft hood to the exhaust fan is properly secured. Replace any corroded vent connections and look to make sure there are no obstructions in the vent. Those were some tips on maintaining a gas water heater. Next, I will show you how to maintain an electric water heater.