DIY: Flush Your Water Heater

Your water heater is one of the most important and heavily used appliances in your home. If you have a water heater with a tank, chances are good that your heater has been steadily collecting sediment in the bottom of the tank for years. When sediment builds up too heavily in the tank of your water heater it can interfere with the heating coils. Too much sediment can damage your tank and even cause flooding if it’s not taken care of.

You can take care of this problem yourself (and should) about twice a year. If you ever run into issues or want assistance, call a professional from Wilson Plumbing & Heating!

How to Flush Your Water Heater

There are a few steps to flush your hot water heater. First, it will need to be completely drained of water.

  1. Turn the gas control valve (located above the heat control valve) to the “pilot” setting. This will prevent your heater from creating more hot water while you work on flushing it.

  2. Turn the water supply shut off valve a quarter turn in any direction to keep the tank from refilling.

  3. Turn the temperature & pressure relief valve (usually located on top of the water heater) in an upward position to release the pressure in the tank.

  4. Hook a water hose up to the valve on your water heater. The hose will help guide the water and sediment out of your tank without shooting it everywhere.

  5. Let the water heater drain out until the sediment is flushed.

  6. After 30 minutes the water will be flowing more slowly from your water heater. Turn the water supply to the tank back on to power flush your water heater tank.

  7. Once the water is clear and the tank is drained, disconnect the hose and turn the gas control valve back to the “on” position.

Be aware that once you’re done setting your water heater back up it will take around 45 minutes to an hour for the tank to refill and be ready to use again, so plan your day accordingly!

Wilson Plumbing & Heating is always here to answer your questions or send a technician out to assist you with any plumbing or heating service. Contact a member of our team today!

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