.jpg)
Ever noticed your water heater acting up, delivering lukewarm showers instead of hot ones? Or maybe you’re wondering why your energy bills seem higher than usual? It could be due to sediment buildup! Flushing your water heater is a simple maintenance task that clears out mineral deposits, helping your unit perform better and last longer. Ready to get your water heater running like new again? Here’s a straightforward guide on how to safely flush it yourself.
Before you start, locate the cold water valve at the top of your hot water tank and turn it off. This valve is usually easy to find and prevents more water from entering the tank during the flushing process.
If you have an electric water heater, head to the circuit box and turn off the power. It’s crucial to do this before draining the tank to avoid damaging the heater. For natural gas water heaters, turn the gas valve on the tank to the pilot position or the lowest temperature setting. This will ensure your heater doesn’t try to ignite while it’s empty.
Next, attach a garden hose to the drain valve (also called the water spigot) at the bottom of your water heater. Direct the other end of the hose towards a basement floor drain or outside. If you’re draining it outside through a basement window, you might need a pump unless you have a walkout basement.
To help water drain more effectively, open a hot water tap on the main floor or on a higher level than your water heater. This creates pressure in the system, making it easier for water to flow out.
Now it’s time to open the hot water tank drain valve. Water will start flowing out through the garden hose. This can take anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of your tank. Be gentle when operating the drain valve—don’t force it open or closed, as this could break it.
Once the water has drained, turn on the cold water valve at the top of the tank three times. This will mix up any sediment sitting at the bottom and help flush it out through the garden hose. Sometimes, sediment can clog the drain valve, preventing water from flowing out.
Open and close the drain valve three times to push out any remaining sediment. If you have a compressor, you can use compressed air to help clear the drain. If you run into any issues or are unsure about any step, don’t hesitate to call a plumber for assistance.
Continue the flushing process until you see clear water coming out of the hose. Keep the hot water tap open during this time to help remove any trapped water in the hot water lines.
When the water runs clear, close the tank drain valve carefully—again, don’t force it. Then, turn the cold water valve back on to refill the tank. Once the tank is full, you’ll notice a steady flow of water from the open hot water tap. When you see this, it’s time to turn off the hot water tap.
If you have a gas heater, turn the gas valve knob back on. For electric heaters, restore the power at the circuit box. Finally, check the drain valve at the bottom of the water tank for any leaks. If you notice any leaking, open and close the drain valve a few times—sometimes, sediment can block it. If the leak persists, turn off the cold water supply to the tank and contact a plumber for help.
It’s not always obvious when a tank needs draining, but here are some clues to watch for:
Flushing your water heater is a straightforward process that can help maintain its efficiency and prolong its life. By following these steps, you can ensure that your water heater runs smoothly and provides you with hot water whenever you need it. If you encounter any problems or feel unsure about any part of the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional plumber. Taking care of your water heater now will save you time and money in the long run!
For all your boiler repair and maintenance needs in Cambridge and Boston, trust the experts at Minuteman Water Heaters. Contact us now for fast, reliable service.
