Why Your Water Heater Needs Flushing
Even though you can't see it, tap water contains some amount of dissolved minerals, including iron, calcium and a variety of other substances. As water is heated inside the tank, the dissolved minerals precipitate out of the water and form a sediment inside the water heater.
Over time, these sediments accumulate at the bottom of the tank and create a layer that insulates the heating element or flames from the water. This prevents the water from heating to an optimal level, but the worst harm is done when the metal tank absorbs the brunt of the heat. Ultimately, overheating will weaken the metal and cause damage that can't be repaired.
Drain the tank once per year to help maximize the life span of the tank and prevent this sediment from building.
What You Need to Do
Fortunately, draining your tank is less difficult than you may think.
1. Turn Off the Water Heater
The first step to flush your hot water heater is to turn off the heat source inside the tank. A water heater uses a thermostat mounted on the front of the unit. Turn the dial on the thermometer to off.
2. Disconnect Electrical Power or Gas
Once the thermostat is turned off, disconnect the electrical power or gas supply to prevent accidents. The power to electric water heaters will probably need to be switched off at the breaker panel, but gas water heaters use valves adjacent to the units.
3. Turn Off the Water Supply
Next, locate the cold water supply valve leading to the tank. Many cold water valves are equipped with a blue handle or other blue markings for easy identification. Most types of values require you to turn the valve in a clockwise direction or across the water line to close it.
4. Drain the Hot Water from the Tank
After turning off the water supply, allow the water heater to cool down for at least an hour before proceeding. Once it has cooled, attach a garden hose to the drain fitting on the bottom of the water heater. Be careful when attaching the hose to prevent twisting the fitting.
5. Open the Drain Fitting
When you have attached the garden hose, place the free end of the hose into a five-gallon bucket and slowly open the drain valve. Monitor the water entering the bucket to ensure the liquid flows freely.
Keep an eye on the sediment level inside the container. Once the bucket becomes full, shut off the drain valve and empty the bucket in a convenient location. Continue filling the bucket until the tank is completely drained.
6. Flush the Tank
After draining the tank, turn on the cold water valve at the top of the water heater. This will force fresh water into the tank and flush out any remaining sediment. Continue flushing until there is no additional sediment leaving the tank.
7. Restore the Tank to Operation
After finishing the flushing process, turn off the drain valve, remove the water hose and restore water and power to the water heater. Turn the thermostat back to the 'on' position as indicated by the manufacturer's directions.
If you have questions about your water heater or need a replacement, be sure to contact
Express Electrical Services
for help. Our experts can repair or replace water heaters and will provide you with friendly, affordable service.
