Water heater maintenance

[jojo]

We have a gas water heater in the garage that is almost 6 years old. I cannot locate paperwork for it. I recall reading somewhere that one should periodically drain it at the bottom for sediment. We have not done this. Should we be doing routine maintenance on it?

[KeepingItReal]

We have a gas water heater in the garage that is almost 6 years old. I cannot locate paperwork for it. I recall reading somewhere that one should periodically drain it at the bottom for sediment. We have not done this. Should we be doing routine maintenance on it?

From Lowe's Website.

Maintain a Water Heater (http://www.lowes.com/cd_Maintain+a+Water+Heater_111948476_)

I have had both gas and electric and never did any of this but guess it might be a good idea. Had one gas 16 years and had never had a problem when we sold the house. Had another electric 10 years when we sold the house. Both were on a municipal water source. Usually a leak in the tank is the problem.

Actually checking the thermal expansion tank yearly is suggested also:

Adjusting the Pre-Charge of a Thermal Expansion Tank - YouTube