How To Flush a Water Heater

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

5 Steps To Flush a Water Heater

Flushing a water heater can maintain its functionality. The tank in this appliance can fill up with minerals and sediment, depending on the water quality at a residence in Kansas City, KS. These five steps walk a homeowner through the water heater flush procedure.

1. Turn Off the Heater

Switch off the power to an electric heater at a circuit breaker. For a gas unit, turn off the valve and extinguish the pilot light.

2. Connect a Hose

Attach a garden hose of sufficient length to the drain valve on the heater and run the other end to a floor drain or outside. Make sure that the destination will not suffer as a result of exposure to mineral deposits.

3. Drain the Tank

Open the water heater drain valve and allow water to flow for several minutes. Turn on a sink hot water spigot to drain remaining water. Turn the water supply valve on and off to flush the tank.

4. Close the Valves

Close the drain valve and turn the cold water supply back on. Then, turn on the hot water spigot at a sink or tub. The water will be cold, but this will push air out of the system. Turn the spigot off once the flow becomes consistent.

5. Turn the Heater Back On

Restore the power to an electric heater from a circuit panel or turn on the flow of gas and relight the pilot. It may take up to 20 minutes to produce hot water.

Perform a water heater flush at least once a year. Follow these steps every eight months in a household of three to five residents, or every six months in a household with more than six residents. If a water heater leak results in damage to a home in Kansas City, KS, contact an appliance repair professional and a water damage restoration company.