How To Flush a Water Heater
1/3/2021 (Permalink)
When you conduct regular maintenance on your water heater, it will stay in good condition longer and reduce the risk of costly repairs. Your maintenance plan should include periodically flushing your heater.
Let's Look At The Steps Involved
1. Turn the Heater Off
If you own an electric heater, turn off the supply line at the circuit breaker. For gas heaters, make sure the pilot is extinguished.
2. Attach the Hose
Using a standard garden hose, connect it to the drain valve. Make sure the loose end isn't placed near an area that would be negatively affected by the sediment or water. Don't forget to wear gloves to protect against hot water. If you encounter water damage during the process, call a water damage repair service as soon as possible.
3. Drain the Water
Drain the water heater tank by opening the drain valve. Turn on a hot water faucet in the kitchen to help the water drain more quickly. When the water flow begins to slow down, turn off the supply valve. When the water stops, turn the water supply valve on to quickly flush the system and then close it again.
4. Shut Off the Valves
Once the water heater flush is completed, close all the valves. Then, turn on the water supply and keep an eye on the kitchen faucet. When the water comes out smooth and without bursts of air, this means the tank is full again.
5. Turn the Power Back On
After the tank is full, turn on the power to the unit. Make sure the heating element is functional as well. Never turn the power on until you are sure the tank is full since this can damage the unit. Don't forget to turn off the kitchen faucet.
Keep your water heater in Prairie Village, KS, running smoothly for years with a little routine maintenance.