How to Flush a Water Heater

Ok, so it is not a glamorous water heater upkeep task, but it does require a little cleaning up from time to time. Yes, today the Hot Water Heater Medic is going to instruct one on ways to flush out a water heater. Some recommend doing so as soon as every one to three years, we feel it is best to do so once a year. Doing this is not a tough or time consuming task - heck, let the children assist even.

Why Flush a Water Heater?
If it is last the suggested life expectancy of the device, it ought to have some type of routine flushing done. Doing this will certainly assistant in having it run as effectively as possible, which likewise means saving money on the expense of running the darn thing. That alone should be a great enough reason we feel!

In terms of water heater maintenance, flushing it will do away with the buildup of mineral deposits that natural takes place inside the water storage tank. If one has actually ever had loud noises, popping, gurgling, mini-explosion sounds, that is a sign that there is too much sediment inside the tank. This flushing process will help make sure that the tank heats water far more quietly.

Step 1. If it is an electric water heater, turn the power off in the primary electric breaker box and turn the cold water supply off. If it is a gas heater, it is ok to leave the gas on - just turn the water off. Though, turn the thermostat setting dial to the pilot setting (make a note to keep in mind what it was originally set at though for later). Then, whichever faucet the water heater supplies is closest requires to be opened. This is normally simpler than opening the pressure relief valve, but one can do that rather.

Step 2. At the bottom of the water heater is a drain valve that a yard watering hose can be connected to. There may be a cover over it depending on the maker. Think about turning the heat to the pilot setting numerous hours before flushing it if one desires so the water isn't going to be as hot when it is drained. If that is not an option that's fine, simply ensure the garden hose used is in great shape to hold up against the higher temperature water.

Run the hose outside away from the home or if the water has already cooled, one can drain the tank into containers.

Step 3. Open the water heater's drain valve and start draining the water. For whatever reason the drain valve is generally made of plastic, so if one has an older water heater (and one that has not been drained since before time began) it could stick a little. Just beware to not break the plastic (which is why it would be good if the darn thing was NOT made from plastic).

Once the drain valve is open, likewise open the pressure relief valve on the unit. Water will (a minimum of it should if it pressure relief valve is working appropriately) stream some from it. Attempt to let is flow stable and not too fast so it stirs up the sediment in the water heater. We want the sediment to drain out the bottom from the hose.

If draining in a bucket, even if having the hose drain into a container beyond the garage or basement where the water heater is located, fill a bucket and let it sit to see if the water is clear or if there is sediment, which will generally look like sand in the bottom of the bucket. Simply keep draining it until the water is clear.

Step 4. Close the drain on the bottom of the tank and close the pressure relief valve if it is still open.

Step 5. Turn the water supply on once again to fill the tank. As soon as it is full once again, slowing open the pressure relief valve once again to get some excess air out of the tank. Then, open a hot water faucet in your home to get much more air out of the system.

Step 6. Let the hot water in the bathtub run until a complete stream is flowing out. When that happens, it is ok to turn the power back on if it is an electric water heater, or reset the temperature setting for a gas water heater. Obviously, turn the bathtub faucet off. In about 20 minutes, the hot water should be heated again.

There you go! Hot Water Heater Medic is here to address any questions you may have.