Use These 5 Simple Steps To Flush a Water Heater

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

Water heaters can last a long time if properly maintained, but the appliances are often neglected. The old adage, "out of sight, out of mind" can be especially true of the water heater because it is often hidden away in a dark closet, basement, or garage in your home in Chicago. To prevent costly repairs or replacement of the unit, consider establishing a regular maintenance program. By taking the following steps, you can keep your home's hot water flowing for years to come.

1. Turn off the power or gas feeding the water heater. For a gas unit, simply make sure the pilot light is extinguished and no live electric lines feed into the tank. For an electric heater unit, turn all electrical lines off at the circuit breaker.

2. Screw a garden hose or drainage hose to the drain valve. Make sure the tubing is long enough to deposit water outside or into a tub. The water will almost certainly contain mineral-filled sediment, so draining the water outside is preferred.

3. Check the drain valve and move to the open position. The water should flow freely for several minutes; if it does not, call a water specialist to assess the situation. If the water begins flowing and then slows down, open a kitchen or bathroom hot water faucet. Wait for several minutes, and close the water supply valve. The water flow will eventually stop.

4. Close the drain valve after the water heater flush is completed. Turn the water supply line back on and watch the faucet’s flow to make sure the air is flushed out of the system entirely. Once the tank is completely full, the faucet water will flow smoothly with no air gushes.

5. Check again to make sure the water tank is full. Turn the gas or power back on. After restoring power, check the heating element to make sure it is working. Turn the kitchen or bathroom faucet off and enjoy your restored heater.

Regularly draining the water heater can help keep the hot water flowing. It can also save you money on tank repairs or replacement units.

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