How to Flush Your Water Heater

Flushing your water heater regularly can maintain efficient operation and extend its lifespan. This maintenance task unclogs your unit and prevents excess residue buildup that can cause costly damage. The job is straightforward, and it wouldn’t be a bother to tackle it once a year. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to flush your water heater to maximize its functionality. 

Step 1: Turn Off Your Water Heater

This depends on your model, so check the appliance manual for specifics. However, here are general tips to turn off your water heater: 

• Locate the off button or thermostat switch at the bottom of the tank.
• If you’re using an electric model, locate your home’s breaker or circuit box to turn off the power supply to your heater.
• If your appliance is older, set your thermostat to “PILOT.” Remember, you’ll have to relight the pilot light to continue using it after flushing.
• Turn off the gas supply if you’re using a gas model. You’ll find the switch or knob on the pipe connected to the thermometer.

Step 2: Shut Off Cold Water Supply

Locate the on/off valve or switch handle at the top of your heater tank. For some models, the valve will be on the water supply pipe before reaching the heater intake connection. 

Step 3: Let the Water Cool Down

This is an optional step, but it’ll reduce potential water damage and the risk of burns. You can let the water cool down overnight or throughout your busy day. You can also open a faucet to drain the hot water until it runs cold to release pressure from the tank and fill it with cool water. Perform this cooling method between step 1 and step 2 for better results. Note that it will waste significant gallons of water. 

Step 4: Connect the Drain Spigot or Valve to a Garden Hose

Use a garden hose if you don’t already have another outlet hose connected to your water heater. Connect one end to the drain spigot and place the other securely where you want the water to drain, such as a bucket, small tank, sink, bathtub, etc. You can use an electric pump if you don’t have a sloppy location to place your hose. Check the water heater manual for precise valve size specifications if you need a connector to attach the garden hose. 

Step 5: Turn On One of Your Hot Water Faucets

Turn on a hot water faucet and leave it running during flushing to relieve pressure and prevent vacuums inside the water tank and pipes. Use a faucet that is located higher in your home than the water heater tank. Remove the aerator when leaving the faucet open to avoid clogging it. Replace the aerator after the flushing process to maximize its functionality. 

Step 6: Turn On the Spigot to Drain the Tank

The draining process may take time, depending on the capacity of your tank, the amount of residue inside the tank, and the water pressure. Be patient and do the following:

• Stay close to take necessary action if you hear any strange noise,  notice leaks, realize the hose pipe is clogged, or run into a system issue that requires immediate troubleshooting.
• Monitor the draining water quality every 10 to 15 minutes, and don’t stop draining until the water is crystal clear.

If you notice discolored water and a significant amount of sediment coming out and never stopping, you may need to contact a plumber for professional assistance. Your system is clogged, has corroded pipes, and has older and corroded components that need replacement.

Step 7: Flush Your Tank

Turn on the cold water supply and let it run for a few minutes until you see spotless water from the garden hose. This is the final flush to remove any stubborn remaining particles from the tank. Once satisfied with the results, turn off the cold water spout. 

Step 8: Wrap Up the Flushing Process

Close the drain valve and disconnect the garden hose. Turn on the cold water supply to refill your tank, keeping the faucet on step 5 open to prevent air from trapping in the system. Let the faucet run until it releases water at full pressure without fluctuating. Turn on the water heater again, and after 30 minutes, hot water will be running in your home as usual.

Flushing a Tankless Water Heater

Most prep work for your tankless water heater will follow the same steps as those for storage tank water heaters. However, you’ll need products such as water heater cleaners or vinegar to effectively remove all the sediment. 

You can also use a submersible water pump since the tankless heater doesn’t have a reservoir to support the flushing process. If you don’t have a pump, consider bringing in professionals to save time and avoid damaging your unit.

If you understand essential flushing steps and have the tools and time to tackle the task, you can easily flush your water heater yourself. But you can always use a professional if you don’t have the skills, necessities, enough time or want to do it right while avoiding costly damages. Whether you have a water heater with a storage tank or a tankless water heater, contact Texas Water Heaters for excellent flushing services and high-quality replacement components.