Depending on the model and water source, water heaters should be flushed every three years.It helps to control the build up of mineral deposits.The life of your water heater will usually be extended if you operate it more efficiently.You can use this guide to flush your water heater.
Step 1: The breaker/fuse box needs to be found.
You will need to find the main power source and turn it off before you start draining your water heater.A grey power panel with a swinging door is the breaker box.It's attached to a wall.It can be found in the garage or on the outside of the house.The thermostat for the gas heater is usually located on the outside of the unit by a red knob."Pilot," "On," and "Off" are the settings for the knob.
Step 2: Turn the thermostat to "Pilot" on a gas heater if the circuit that powers the electrical water heater is disabled.
This will stop power to the entire house if one of the circuits is disabled.Small on/off switches are what you should see.Branch circuits breakers provide protection against electrical overload to different circuits in your house.If you know the location of the branch circuit breaker, turn the individual switch off.You can find a larger switch above the branch circuit breakers if you don't know which individual circuit breaker is on.The main circuit breaker should have higher values.The branch circuit breakers have lower numbers.All the power to your house will be shut off when the main power is turned off.If you open the box and see round, glass topped shapes or small tubes with metal ends, you have a fuse box, not a breaker box.Similar to turning off the branch circuit breaker, you will need to remove the fuse that powers your water heater.If you don't know which fuse to remove, look for a large rectangular box with a handle at the top of the panel.The metal parts may be hot if you tug hard and straight out on the handle.The power has been turned off in your house.
Step 3: Your cold water supply should be turned off.
The shut-off valve should be near the cold water inlet pipe.Ball valves and gate valves are used.A gate valve takes many turns, but a ball valve closes with a 90-degree turn.It's a good idea to turn the gate valve past the stop before it closes.The gas and propane supply valves can be left on.Make a note of what the temperature is and then turn the thermostat and the large red dial on the front of the control to the lowest setting.If you plan to use the water for other purposes, it's a good idea to turn the heat off before you use it.
Step 4: The hot water faucet can be opened in your sink or tub.
There is a chance of a vacuum forming in the lines.When you cover the top of a straw, you retain water.
Step 5: Attach the garden hose to the drain cock.
The drain cock looks similar to a regular hose bib, such as a garden faucet, or a round dial with a threaded hole in the middle.The drain cock can be hidden.If you don't have a garden hose, you can use a bucket to catch the water.The hot water can burn you if you overfill the bucket.
Step 6: The garden hose should be extended to a place where the water can be safely discharged.
You can either run your hose to the drain or the driveway.You can save the water to use on the yard if you allow it to cool overnight.It's not a good idea to wash your car or use it for delicate plants.Be careful with the materials you use if you are draining hot water.The heat may cause low-quality hoses and buckets to leak.The easiest way to simplify the process is to drain straight into a basement drain.If there is a pressure leak, cover the drain cock and hose connection with a towel or rag to prevent scorching water from bursting and spraying.
Step 7: The drain cock should be open to let the water out.
The pressure-relief valve is usually on the top of the unit.If you want to open the pressure-relief valve, place a bucket under the discharge pipe.If something is placed under the discharge pipe to catch the water, opening it can allow water to drain onto the floor.The lever that opens the pressure relief valve is usually an "up" position.Wherever you are draining water, make sure it flows at a rate that can be managed.The water will be very hot if you don't allow it to cool.If the drain cock is made of plastic, it may be difficult to open and break if forced.
Step 8: After a few minutes of water being flushed, fill a "test" bucket.
If the water in the bucket is clear or if sand settles to the bottom, allow it to stand undisturbed for a minute.Continue draining the tank if the water is cloudy or there is sand on the bottom of the bucket.The cold-water supply should be turned back on if you suspect the tank is empty.The tank should be partially filled and drained again.Continue until the discharge is clear.If the water is clear, you can continue on to the next step.
Step 9: Remove the garden hose by closing the drain cock.
If opened, close the pressure-relief valve.The hot water faucet should be turned off in your sink or tub.
Step 10: The water supply should be turned back on.
When the tank is full, open the pressure-relief valve to remove excess air.As cold water re-enters it during normal use, this will keep the water heater from "pinging".The pressure-relief valve needs to be closed again after the compressed air has left.
Step 11: The water heaters drain needs to be closed.
The bathroom has a hot water tap.Don't turn on the power yet.The heating element can be damaged if the power is not filled.Wait for a full stream of water after opening the hot water tap on the bathtub or wash basin.
Step 12: Wait until the hot water line starts running continuously and turn the water supply on.
When the hot water tap is running at full volume, it is safe to turn on the circuit breaker.
Step 13: The tub spigot needs to be turned off.
Take about 20 minutes to test for hot water in the bathtub.To find out if the water heater is working, listen to it.