Introduction: Your water heater works hard to provide hot water for your home. Flushing it once a year helps remove mineral scaling and debris, ensuring it continues to work efficiently. Follow this simple guide to learn how to flush your water heater.
Project Overview:
- Working Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Estimated Cost: $0 to $50
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Flushing: Flushing is recommended annually, but watch out for signs indicating immediate attention:
- Low heating efficiency
- Lukewarm water
- High energy bills
- Sediment in water
- Rotten egg smell
- Unusual noises
- Rust-colored water
- Low water pressure
Safety Considerations: Avoid burns and flooding risks with these safety tips:
- Turn off the water heater the night before.
- For electric heaters, switch off the breaker. For gas or propane, set the thermostat to the lowest.
- Use cool drained water for the garden.
- Securely attach and inspect the garden hose.
- Be cautious of hot water during flushing.
What You’ll Need:
- Equipment/Tools:
- Channellock pliers
- Materials:
- Garden hose
- Bucket
- Towels
Instructions: How to Flush Your Water Heater:
1. Turn Off the Power:
- For electric heaters, switch off the breaker.
- For gas or propane, set the thermostat to the lowest.
2. Close the Water Supply Valve:
- If unable to turn off overnight, open a faucet to drain hot water.
- Turn off the water supply valve on top of the heater.
3. Connect a Garden Hose:
- Attach the garden hose to the drain valve at the base.
- Tighten the connection with Channellock pliers.
- Direct the hose to a safe drainage location.
4. Open the Drain Valve:
- Open the drain valve to begin water draining.
- Prevent vacuum by opening a nearby hot water faucet.
- Optionally, open the pressure relief valve.
5. Test the Water Contents:
- After 10-20 mins, fill a bucket with drained water.
- Check for sediment or debris.
- Repeat every 10 mins until water is clear.
6. Close the Drain Valve:
- When water is clear, close the drain valve.
- Remove the garden hose, keeping it directed up.
- Keep a nearby hot water faucet open.
7. Restore Water and Power:
- Open the water supply valve.
- Let the heater fill up, releasing trapped air through an open faucet.
- Wait for the tank to fill before restoring power.
- Turn the thermostat back up.
- After 20-30 mins, check the water temperature.
When to Call a Professional:
- Beginners should seek experienced help.
- If complications arise, contact a plumber.
- Persistent issues may indicate water heater replacement.
Following these steps ensures a smooth water heater flush, maintaining its efficiency and prolonging its lifespan.
