How to Flush Out Your Water Heater

We use our water heaters every day, multiple times a day. We use them when we need to take a shower, when we do a load of laundry and when we wash the dishes. According to the United States Department of Energy, our water heaters account for nearly 20 percent of our home’s energy usage and if we don’t take proper care of these appliances, we force them to work harder, consume more energy and therefore increase our energy bills in the process.

How do water heaters work?

A standard tank water heater operates by pulling cold water into the tank through a dip tube. This water is then heated either with gas or electricity. Once you open the faucet, this hot water then travels through the tank and into your home’s plumbing until it exits the faucet opening.

Why do you need to flush out water heaters?

All water has some form of mineral content or sediment in it, and these minerals are even more prominent in areas with hard water. Over time, because the minerals are heavier than the water, they can sink to the bottom of the tank and cause a number of issues that could lead to a premature breakdown.

How to flush out water heaters?

You can easily flush out your water heater yourself. We’ve compiled the steps into a super simple list for you to follow.

Turn the thermostat on your water heater to “off”.
Turn off the gas to the water heater.
Turn off the cold water supply to the water heater.
Turn on the hot water in the sink to flush out the water.
Open the pressure relief valve.
Connect a garden hose to the drainage spot on the tank.
Turn on the spigot and drain the tank.
Flush it out. Turn on the cold water spigot and let the water flow until it is clear and free of sediment.

While this process is really simple, it’s always possible for complications to arise. If you have any issues when trying to flush out your water heater contact your local plumbing expert. At Brownie’s Septic & Plumbing, we can help with all of your water heater issues. Call us today or visit our website for more information about our services.