Homeowners often ask plumbers, “Can I flush my water heater myself?” Experts at Grasshopper Heating & Cooling are here to answer that question and explain how they maintain a hot water tank with annual flushing. Discover how you can tackle this project like a professional.
Importance of Water Heater Maintenance
Letting your hot water heater run without performing routine maintenance can lead to gunk and mineral deposits collecting inside the tank. Electric and gas water heaters need proper maintenance for optimum efficiency and performance. You can have a plumber flush a water heater or you can take on the entire flushing process yourself.
Steps for Flushing a Hot Water Heater
Performing gas or electric water heater maintenance requires precision. Ask an expert, “How can I flush my water heater myself?” and they’ll tell you to complete the following steps.
Shut off the Thermostat and Gas Supply
Powering off a hot water heater’s thermostat can be as simple as flipping a switch on the unit. For those with an electric hot water heater, this requires shutting off the power supply from the home’s breaker box.
Safely flushing a gas hot water heater requires you to also turn off the gas supply. Locate the gas pipe leading to the unit and turn the knob on the gas line to shut off the supply. Keep in mind that to use an older gas water heater after flushing, you’ll have to reignite the pilot light.
Turn off and Drain Your Hot and Cold Water Supply
You’ll then have to turn off your cold water valve. This prevents the tank from filling with water so you can effectively flush all of its contents. Turn on a hot water faucet and leave it running for the rest of the draining process.
Many plumbers recommend opening the water heater pressure relief valve as this facilitates draining and flushing the tank.
Connect Garden Hose to Your Drainage Spigot
Hook up a hose to your water heater drain valve and make sure that it extends either outside or inside a basin you can empty. This hot water spigot will dispense all of the tank’s water supply along with any sediment inside the tank. While draining the gas or electric heater, you might find discolored water because of the sediment and mineral deposits.
Flush the Tank
Once your tank empties, locate your cold water spigot leading to the hot water heater and switch it on. This will add water into the tank to flush out any remaining sediment. Experts recommend keeping the water running until it comes out of the hose clear.
To finish up this maintenance task, perform the following:
- Remove the hose from your closed spigot.
- Restore the relief valve and shut off your running faucet.
- Restore power to your water heater.
- Wait several minutes for the tank to heat up again.
Schedule Water Heater Maintenance With Grasshopper Heating & Cooling
After reading this guide, you no longer have to wonder, “Can I flush my water heater myself?” If you’d rather hire an expert, contact the licensed plumbers at Grasshopper Heating & Cooling. Call (518) 545-3271 to schedule a service today.
