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March 22, 2023
How to Drain a Water Heater?
A water heater is essential to most homes across the United States. We rely on these systems for daily activities like washing laundry, dirty dishes, or showering. Unfortunately, water heaters are the most neglected systems, as many homeowners only think about them when there’s a problem. We recommend scheduling routine maintenance with our experts at Beall Contracting, guaranteeing professional water heater repair and maintenance services. The most basic maintenance practice is draining the water heater and flushing out accumulated sediments. Here are the steps to flush your unit and prevent buildup.
Hook Up a Garden Hose to the Drain Valve
A residential water heater holds between 50 and 60 gallons of water. If you want to flush your system, connecting a garden hose to the drain valve ensures the water is relayed to the bathtub or yard without risking water damage indoors. The last thing you want is a flooded house and the subsequent property damage. Ensure the hose connection is tight before flushing your water heater.
Flush Severally while the Water is Still On
Run the open valve for about 15 seconds, allowing water to rush through the hose. If there’s a lot of buildups in the tank, a fair amount of sediments should come out during this process. Repeat this twice, but be cautious because the water is boiling and can burn people and pets. Once the residue at the bottom has cleared, shut down the system.
Shut Down the Water Heater
After a couple of quick flushes, it is time to drain the entire tank. If you use a gas unit, ensure the gas is shut off. However, homeowners with electric water heaters should flip the breaker switch on the home’s panel. Next, shut off the water supply to your water heater, preventing more water from flowing in as you drain the unit.
Rinse and Flush the Tank with Fresh Water
Check if the hose is still attached to the tank, and turn the cold water valve back on. Once the whole tank fills up, drain the system and repeat this several times. You can opt for a more hands-off approach by hiring a reputable plumber to handle the heavy lifting. The incoming water sprays the mineral buildup in the tank, ensuring the system is clean.
Reconnect Your Water Heater
Reconnect your water heater and unhook the hose. Ensure the drain valve is as tight as possible to prevent leaks. Filling the tank and waiting about five minutes is advisable to detect leaks or common drain valve problems. If you notice a problem with your unit after turning it on, call a reputable water heater repair service immediately. After turning on the electricity or gas pilot, wait about an hour before running hot water faucets.
These steps will help you safely conduct a DIY water heater draining project, but we recommend consulting a professional plumber. Contact us at Beall Contracting and schedule a consultation with our plumbing experts. We provide various services at competitive rates, including water heater repair and maintenance.