Tips on Flushing Your Water Heater

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

Flushing a water heater

Steps on How To Perform Quickly a Water Heater Flush

Many Fallbrook,CA homeowners don’t pay attention to a water heater until there is a problem with it. However, it requires maintenance to extend its life and keep it working properly. A water heater flush is simply a way to wash out any buildup or sediment from inside of it. Here are some steps on how to perform this quickly and efficiently.

1. Gather the Right Equipment

Conveniently, most homes already have the proper equipment available. First, make sure you wear gloves to protect your hands from hot components. Get a garden hose ready, and turn off your hot water heater. This means turning off the electricity or gas, depending on the type of heater.

2. Flush the Heater

Let the hot water in your kitchen faucet run for five to ten minutes. This will lower the temperature of the water inside of the tank. Also, find an area that can handle the sediment and withstand hot water, because it will need to deposit somewhere. Connect the hose and open the drain valve to let the water flow. Turn off the water supply, and wait for the water flow to stop.

3. Identify Problems

If you’ve never done a flush before or if it has been several years, you could face a problem with sediment buildup or a leaking heater. If there is water damage due to a leaking heater, a flush won’t be the solution, so call professional restoration specialists for help. If it’s a minor buildup, you may be able to unclog the valve by removing sediment manually.

4. Reconnect Your Heater

Close the valves, remove the hose and turn the water supply back on. Turn on a faucet and wait until the water flows normally, which is a signal the tank is full again. From here, it’s just a matter of turning the gas or electricity back on.
Flushing your water heater is a necessary part of homeownership. It will save you money long-term and can avoid costly maintenance. If you follow the outlined steps, you can extend the life of your heater and have peace of mind that it is working properly.