How To Flush Your Water Heater [Step By Step]

For most of human history, heating water was an incredibly labor-intensive process that required an open flame and water sourced directly from a river or lake. In the modern world, it’s easy to overlook the miracle of modern plumbing and instant access to clean, hot water.

We have a lot to thank our water heaters for. These tanks that sit in the corner closets and garages of most of our homes are arguably one of the most important factors that allow us to enjoy the comforts of modern society.

At Hi-Tech Plumbing & Leak Detect we make it our business to understand the importance of water heaters in our customers’ lives. We want to equip our customers with the knowledge and information they need so they can get the most out of them and potentially avoid premature repairs or replacements.

DIY Water Heater Maintenance

Most people make the mistake of only thinking about their water heater when something breaks or needs replacing. This is a mistake because water heaters, just like any mechanical component of your home, will greatly benefit from regular maintenance.

Like any water reservoir, water heaters can build up sediment and debris from the accumulation of minerals that the water leaves behind. If allowed to build up, this accumulation can cause your water heater to both fail and work less efficiently.

Luckily, flushing your water tank with these minerals is a fairly simple process that almost anyone can do. We recommend that this be done at least once a year to keep your tank running at optimal efficiency.

While the professionals here at Hi-Tech are more than willing and capable to provide the most professional water heater flush in Edmond, we also think it’s important that our customers have access to resources that allow them to save money and perform the maintenance themselves if they choose to. So, here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform a water heater flush:

1.  Turn the knob on the thermostat located near the base of your water heater to “off”.

2.  Disconnect the gas connected to your water heater by turning the valve connected to the gas line to the “off” position.

3.  Shut off the water line connected to the tank.

4.  Turn on the hot water somewhere in the home and leave it open.

5.  Locate the drainage spigot near the base of the tank and connect a standard water hose. Lead the hose to a bucket, outdoors or somewhere where it’s safe to drain excess water. Open the spigot and drain the water in the tank.

6.  Leave the hose wherever you are draining excess water and turn on the cold water supply to allow the water to drain through the tank until the water turns clear.

7.  Once finished, close the drainage spigot, disconnect the water hose, restore the gas supply, turn on the thermostat and light the pilot light.

Flushing your hot water tank once a year can ensure you get the most out of your heater and can be done by anyone. This small chore can go a long way in ensuring that you don’t find yourself having to spend money on unnecessary repairs and replacements.

Hi-Tech Is Your Number One Resource For All Things Water Heater

If you find yourself dealing with an issue that goes past the ability of your average homeowner and is in serious need of professional water heater maintenance, look no further than the professionals at Hi-Tech Plumbing & Leak Detect.