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Should You Flush Out Your Water Heater?

Posted by Ken Flournoy on Nov 18, 2015 8:00:00 AM

flush water heaterFlushing your water heater is just like changing the oil in your car — you flush out buildup that keeps it from running at peak performance. 

While it's never good to discover an empty water heater because of a leak or serious problem, there are times where purposefully draining it is necessary, even tankless models!

Learn why you should flush it out, how often, and how it's done.

Why should I flush out my water heater?

Over time sediments, minerals, lime, and more can build up in your water heater. As these things build up, not only is less water able to be stored (meaning you'll run out of hot water faster), but the appliance has to spend more energy heating things that aren't water.

Also, since all that extra stuff is in your water heater, your water can't work at peak performance either. If your water heater goes unchecked for long enough, the buildup can find its way out of your water heater, into your your pipes, and eventually out of your faucets. Once the sediments, etc. find their way into your water supply, they can hinder your water from properly cleaning you, your clothes, and your dishes.

Can I flush out my own water heater?

While you can flush out your water heater, this is one task that is best left to professionals because a) professionals bring a special truck for the contaminated water to be drained into and b) the drained water will be scalding hot — so if you aren't 100% sure what you're doing, things can go south very quickly.

Once your trusty plumber arrives, they'll flush your water heater by following these steps:

  1. Turn off the power source (either the electricity or the gas pilot)
  2. Turn off the cold-water inlet
  3. Connect a hose to the drain valve, and connect the draining end of the hose to the truck
  4. Open the pressure relief and drain valves
  5. Allow the tank to drain completely
  6. Once the tank is completely empty, close the drain valve
  7. Disconnect the hose from both the drain valve and from the truck
  8. Close the pressure relief valve
  9. Turn on all hot water faucets in your home
  10. Turn on the cold-water inlet
  11. Once a faucet starts running hot water, turn it off
  12. Once all faucets are off, turn on the electricity or gas pilot

How often should I flush out my water heater?

You should check your manufacturer's suggestions first, but on average your water heater should be flushed out once per year. Of course, this will vary by region and quality of your water source, but once per year is a good rule of thumb.

Is your water heater past due for a flushing? Give us a call at (864) 242-5511 or schedule your service online today. You can even sign up for our Diamond Club to guarantee your water heater never goes another year un-flushed!

water heater repair

Topics: Water Heaters