Just like other home appliances, the water heater also needs maintenance. Flushing water heater is essential as the high mineral content in water settles at the bottom of the water heater tank. This debris can affect the efficiency of the water heater. In areas where water has a high content of sediments like minerals and calcium, water heater has to work harder and it is needed to flush more often. In this blog, you will learn how to flush a water heater.
Why Do I Need to Flush My Water Heater?
Mineral deposits build up quickly in hot water heaters, this reduces both the efficiency and the life of the water heater. So it is important to flush the water heater to keep it in a better condition. This process can help to increase the life of your water heater.
How Often Should I Flush My Water Heater?
A water heater should be flushed at least once every six months or every three months in areas with high mineral concentrations in the water supply. If the water coming out of your faucets is lukewarm or cold, it means you have not flushed your water heater for a long time, and you need to do it to enhance the efficiency of your water heater. Not flushing the water heater can cause erosion and clog the water tank.
Can I Hook a Hose to My Water Heater?
A hose can be connected to the water heater for different purposes, for example flushing the water tank, draining water, or for emergency water removal. Before connecting the hose to your water heater, be sure that your water heater is turned off.
How to Flush a Water Heater?
You can flush your water heater with the help of a Garden Hose. Just follow the simple steps described below:
1. Switch Off the Water Heater
If you are using an electric water heater, you need to switch it off before starting the process. If it remains on and water drains out of the tank, your tank can get damaged from the heating element. If you have a gas water heater, make a note of the temperature setting, then turn the gas valve setting to Pilot. Don’t turn it off or you may have to re-light the pilot flame.
2. Connect a Garden Hose
Connect one end of the garden hose to the drain valve of the water heater.
3. Ensure a Proper Drain for Water
Run the other end of the hose either to a drain or to the outside of the home. A drain can be a floor drain in a laundry room, a nearby bath or shower, or a laundry tub. If the hot water heater is located in a garage or near an outside door, the hose can be run outside. If you run outside, do not flush the hot water onto grass or plants. Just let the water run down the driveway.
4. Open the Drain Valve
Open the drain valve all the way and let it run for about two minutes. The valve on your unit may use either a screw or a knob.
5. Cut Off the Water Intake
After two minutes have elapsed, close the water supply valve. This is usually located on a pipe above the hot water heater.
6. Turn the Hot Water Faucet On
Go to the closest sink and turn the hot water on. Shutting off the water supply in conjunction with turning on the hot water at a nearby sink allows the hot water heater to drain.
7. Turn the Water Intake On
After the water heater has drained, turn the water supply valve back on. Allow the water heater to flush with fresh water for another two minutes.
8. Close the Drain Valve
Once water is flushed from the tank, close the drain valve and let the water heater refill itself. You should hear the water running as the tank fills.
9. Wait for Water Flow at The Sink Faucet
Go to the sink faucet and wait until all the air has been purged from the water lines. You will hear gurgling sounds, and the flow of water will be intermittent while the air is being purged. When all the air has been purged, and the water flow is steady, shut off the sink faucet.
10. Switch the Water Heater On
Once the tank is filled with water, you can switch your water heater on. For a gas heater, turn the gas valve setting to On. If you change the temperature setting, adjust it to the original setting. For an electric heater, turn on the power.
11. Disconnect the Garden Hose
After following the above steps, you can disconnect the garden hose from your water heater,
Conclusion
To maintain the water heater’s efficiency, it is important to flush it several times a year. This will help your water heater to perform well and live a little longer. For the whole process, all you need is a garden hose to attach to your water heater. Just remember, If the water heater is too old and you have not followed proper maintenance, then flushing can cause more harm than good. Anyhow, you can flush the water heater on your own if you are skilled for it and you have enough time, but calling an expert to execute the whole process effectively is always better.