How to Flush a Water Heater

Flushing a water heater is important.You should flush a water heater every one to three years depending on the model and water source. This helps to control the buildup of mineral deposits. If you want to extend the life of your heater and the water heater operate more efficiently, you should flush a water heater.

Things You'll Need to Flush a Water Heater

Durable large bucket.
Durable garden hose.
Suitable draining area.

Steps to to Flush a Water Heater

1. For electric heaters, locate and shut off the power source, a circuit breaker typically in a main panel or subpanel. Or, If you do not find it, there might be a fuse to remove. Also shut off the cold water supply to unit. There are two types of valves in use: ball valves and gate valves. A 90-degree turn closes an open ball valve, but a gate valve takes many turns. Some gate valves have a "stop" before they are fully closed or open, so be sure you turn the valve past that stop! While Gas and LP supply valves for non-electric water heaters can be left on.

If you use natural gas and propane (LP) water heaters , make a note of what the temperature setting is and then turn the large red dial on the front of the control, called thermostat, to the lowest setting, or "pilot”.
Allow the water to cool overnight before draining by turn the heat 'off' ahead of time, if you plan to use the water for other purposes.
You need to open the faucet closest to the water heater, like the bathroom, or open the pressure valve.

step 1

2. Take the garden hose that you prepare, and attach it to the drain cock, or valve, located at the bottom of the heater (The drain cock may be hidden under a removable cover). The drain cock usually looks like a regular hose bib, such as a garden faucet, or a round dial with a threaded hole in the middle.

step 2

3. Locate a place where the water from the heater can safely release, Extend the garden hose to this place. You can also use water on a page or for any other purpose by allowed the water to cool overnight, you can drain it into buckets. Don't use it for delicate plants, though, or to wash your car, given the presence of sediment.

You should also be careful of the materials you use. Low-quality hoses and bucket may soften due to heat, causing leaks. drain straight into a suitable basement drain or sump hole. You're more likely if drain straight into a suitable basement drain or sump hole.

step 3

4. Open the drain cock to allow the water to exit the heater, to allow water to flow freely, Open the pressure-relief valve, usually on the top of the unit.

Make sure water flows slowly. Water flows which too quickly can stir up sediment. This will impede the flow of water, and of course will be wasting your time.

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5. Let the water in the bucket to stand undisturbed for a minute, and see if the water is clear or if there is a material sand-like settles to the bottom.

If the water is discolored and/or you see sand-like material on the bottom of the bucket, continue draining the tank until the water is clear (free of sediment or discoloration). If the tank is empty but you suspect sediment remains, turn the cold-water supply back on to allow more water into the unit. Fill the tank partially and then drain it again. Repeat this process until the discharge is clear. If the water is clear and you see no sediment , of course you can go on to the next step.

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6. Now you can close the drain cock and remove the garden hose.

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7. Check the pressure-relief valve, close it if opened.

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8. Fill the tank by turn the water supply back on.

Reopen the pressure-relief valve slowly to bleed off the excess air when the tank is full and the pressure has equalized. This will keep the water heater from "pinging" as cold water re-enters it during normal use. You can close the pressure-relief valve again after all the compressed air has escaped.

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9. Close the water heater drain. Open the hot water tap in the bathroom to bleed air.

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10. Caution: Do not turn on the power yet. If you power on without filling, the heating element will be damaged. Open the hot water tap on the bathtub or wash basin and wait for a full stream of water.

After the hot water tap is running at full volume, it is safe to turn on the circuit breaker.

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11. Turn off the tub spigot.

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12. Make sure the water heater working by listening carefully.

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13. After about 20 minutes and test for hot water in the tub.

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Tips to flush a Water Heater

1.Flush your water heater if it's a few years old or you just moved into a new home.

2.How frequently you need to flush depend The amount of sediment you observe.

3. If electric heater, be sure to turn off at circuit box before draining.

4. If a gas unit, do not shut off the gas supply to the heater.

5. Use a garden hose when draining your water heater.

6.Install a whole-house filtration system can reduce sediment accumulation.

7. Flush annually or every 6 months if your home has a water softener that uses salt.

Warning:

1. Most plumbers caution that do not try to turn the handle on the valve hasn't been opened in more than five years, this may fail.

2. Be careful not to break the drain cock.

3. Call a licensed plumber, If you feel hesitant doing this work yourself and want to work progresses smoothly.

4. Be careful, as the water may be very hot.

5. Do not turn off the pilot or gas to the water heater just turn it to the lowest setting. This way you do not have to go through the relighting procedures; you will just have to turn up the gas control valve.