Flushing Your Water Heater: What's InvolvedWater heaters are an essential appliance in modern homes, making sure you have plenty of hot water for a variety of uses, from taking showers to washing dishes. A typical residential water heater will be fueled by either gas or electricity. Heating elements inside of the holding tank heat and maintain the water’s temperature.

As time passes, mineral deposits from the water form and collect at the bottom of the tank. As these deposits build up, they will impede the efficiency of the water heater by reducing the amount of heat transferred from the heating elements to the water. You can improve efficiency by periodically flushing your water heater to remove the deposits.

Before flushing your water heater, first turn off the power or gas supplying the unit. Failure to do so is dangerous and could damage the appliance. After the water has cooled, turn off the water supply and connect a garden hose to the drain valve located on the bottom of the water heater. Open the drain valve as well as the pressure relief valve located on the top of the appliance and allow it to drain completely. When the unit is completely drained, turn on the water supply and allow the water to run to flush the tank. When the water exiting the drain runs clear, turn off the drain valve and allow the tank to fill completely. You will know the tank is at full capacity when the water starts to exit through the pressure relief valve on the top of the water heater. Once the tank has filled, turn off the pressure relief valve and turn on the electric or gas supplying the unit to finish the project.

Flushing your water heater regularly will extend the life of the appliance. If left alone, the deposits can corrode heating elements as well as the water-holding tank. Residents of the Indianapolis area who would like more expert advice regarding water heaters should contact us at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. With more than 40 years of experience, we’re confident we can provide a solution to your home’s needs.


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