Do you do anything? Some people say leave it be - others say open the valve and/or drain out some water from bottom to get out sediment. I have done nothing in 8 years. What do you guys do?

 

I've heard anything from do nothing to do complete drains and check valves every six months.

I'm more on the 'nothing' side of the spectrum. I cannot say that I've owned a lot of water heaters, but the ones that I or my family have had seemed pretty bulletproof, at least across an expected life span.

I do trip the pressure relief valve periodically to make sure it works -- maybe once or twice a year. I also look at the thing periodically to make sure there's no leaks or corroded connections.

Some recommend to drain a bucket of water or do a complete drain & refill periodically to get rid of sediment. Remember to open a hot water tap to prevent vacuum formation during the drain procedure. Also remember, "Warning - contents may be hot"!

 

http://www.friendlyplumber.com/plumb...er_heater.html

 

Some water heaters have some kind of rod that needs to be replaced from time to time. I forget how often though. You may want to check your user manual to see if yours has one.

I think the rod helps prevent the inside of the tank from rusting.