If you're experiencing lukewarm water or low water pressure, it's time to drain your clogged water heater. Draining your water heater can help remove sediment buildup that can cause damage and reduce efficiency. In this article, we'll explain how to safely and effectively drain a clogged water heater.

At Wilson Plumbing, we understand the importance of proper water heater maintenance. A clogged water heater can cause a variety of problems, including leaks, corrosion, and decreased efficiency. That's why we offer expert plumbing services to help you keep your water heater running smoothly. Our team of experienced professionals can help you with all your plumbing, heating, cooling, and electric needs in Northeast Ohio.

Safety Precautions

When it comes to draining a clogged water heater, it's important to take the necessary safety precautions to protect yourself and your home. In this section, we'll cover two important aspects of safety: power and gas supply, and protective gear.

Power and Gas Supply

Before you begin draining your water heater, it's important to turn off the power and gas supply. This will prevent any accidents or injuries that could occur if the power or gas supply is left on. If you have an electric water heater, turn off the power at the circuit breaker. If you have a gas water heater, turn off the gas supply valve.

Protective Gear

When draining a clogged water heater, it's important to wear the proper protective gear. This includes gloves and safety glasses. Gloves will protect your hands from hot water and debris, while safety glasses will protect your eyes from any splashing water or sediment.

At Wilson Plumbing, we understand the importance of safety when it comes to plumbing, heating, cooling, and electric services. That's why we always prioritize safety in everything we do. Our team of expert technicians is trained to follow all necessary safety protocols to ensure that your home and family are protected.

Identifying the Issue

Before you begin to drain a clogged water heater, you need to identify the issue. There are two main issues that can cause a clogged water heater: clogs and sediment buildup. In this section, we'll discuss how to check for clogs and assess sediment buildup.

Checking for Clogs

The first step in identifying a clogged water heater is to check for clogs. Clogs can occur in the drain valve, the hot water outlet, or in the pipes leading to and from the water heater.

To check for clogs in the drain valve, turn off the power supply to the water heater and shut off the cold water supply. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and run it to a nearby drain or outside. Open the drain valve and check for any clogs or blockages. If water doesn't flow out of the valve, it's likely that there's a clog.

To check for clogs in the hot water outlet, turn off the power supply to the water heater and shut off the cold water supply. Disconnect the hot water outlet pipe from the water heater and check for any clogs or blockages. If water doesn't flow out of the pipe, there's likely a clog.

Assessing Sediment Build-Up

The second issue that can cause a clogged water heater is sediment buildup. Over time, sediment can settle at the bottom of the water heater tank, reducing its efficiency and eventually leading to clogs.

To assess sediment buildup, turn off the power supply to the water heater and shut off the cold water supply. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and run it to a nearby drain or outside. Open the drain valve and let the water flow out. If the water is cloudy or has sediment in it, there's likely sediment buildup in the tank.

If you're unsure about how to identify the issue with your clogged water heater, or if you're not comfortable performing the checks yourself, contact Wilson Plumbing. Our team of plumbing experts can diagnose and fix any issues with your water heater quickly and efficiently.

Draining the Water Heater

To drain a clogged water heater, you will need to connect a hose to the drain valve and open the valve to let the water flow out. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Connecting the Hose

1. Turn off the power supply to the water heater. If you have a gas water heater, turn off the gas supply.
2. Locate the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater. It should be near the thermostat or temperature control.
3. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve. Make sure the hose is long enough to reach a floor drain or outside.
4. Place the other end of the hose in a floor drain or outside where the water can drain away from the house.

Opening the Drain Valve

1. Open the hot water faucet at a sink or tub to allow air into the tank.
2. Slowly open the drain valve to let the water flow out of the tank. Be careful, the water will be hot.
3. If the water does not flow out or flows slowly, you may need to open the pressure relief valve at the top of the tank to relieve the pressure inside.
4. Once the water has drained out, close the drain valve and remove the hose.
5. Turn on the cold water supply to the tank to flush out any remaining sediment.
6. Close the hot water faucet you opened earlier.
7. Turn on the power supply or gas supply to the water heater.

If you are not comfortable performing these steps yourself, call a professional plumber like Wilson Plumbing. Our experienced technicians can quickly and safely drain your water heater and perform any necessary repairs or maintenance. Trust us to handle all your plumbing, heating, cooling, and electric needs in Northeast Ohio.

Flushing the Tank

Once you have drained the tank, it's time to flush it to remove any sediment buildup. Flushing the tank is an essential step in maintaining your water heater and ensuring it lasts for years to come.

Removing Sediment

To remove sediment from the tank, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the cold water supply to the tank.
2. Open the hot water faucet in your home to allow air into the tank.
3. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
4. Direct the other end of the hose to a drain or outside.
5. Open the drain valve and let the water flow out of the tank.

As the water flows out, it will carry any sediment that has accumulated in the bottom of the tank. You may need to repeat this process a few times to remove all the sediment.

Refilling the Tank

Once you have finished flushing the tank, it's time to refill it. Follow these steps:

1. Close the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
2. Remove the hose from the drain valve.
3. Turn on the cold water supply to the tank.
4. Open the hot water faucet in your home to allow air to escape from the tank.
5. Wait for the tank to fill completely.

It's important to note that you should never turn on the power to the water heater until the tank is completely full of water. Doing so could cause the heating elements to burn out.

If you encounter any issues while flushing or refilling your water heater, don't hesitate to contact Wilson Plumbing. Our team of expert plumbers can help you with all your plumbing, heating, cooling, and electric needs in Northeast Ohio.

Post-Draining Steps

After draining a clogged water heater, there are a few post-draining steps that you should follow to ensure that your water heater is functioning correctly.

Checking for Leaks

Firstly, check for any leaks around the water heater. Look for any water on the floor or any dampness around the unit. If you do notice any leaks, it is essential to address them immediately. Leaks can cause significant damage to your home and can lead to costly repairs if not addressed promptly.

Water Flow Restoration

Next, you need to restore the water flow to the water heater. Close the drain valve and remove the hose. Turn on the cold water supply valve and let the water heater fill up completely. Once the tank is full, turn on a hot water faucet in your home to allow the air to escape from the tank. Wait for a steady stream of water to flow from the faucet before turning it off.

It is essential to follow these post-draining steps to ensure that your water heater is functioning correctly. If you notice any issues or leaks after draining your water heater, it is crucial to contact a professional plumber, such as Wilson Plumbing, to address the problem. Wilson Plumbing is the best option for plumbing, heating, cooling, and electric in Northeast Ohio. Their team of knowledgeable and experienced plumbers can help you with any plumbing issues you may have, including clogged water heaters.