Cleaning your water heater at home primarily involves flushing the tank to remove built-up sediment, which can improve efficiency and extend the life of the unit.
Sediment, like sand, silt, or mineral scale, can accumulate at the bottom of your water heater tank over time. This buildup reduces the tank's capacity, makes the heater work harder to heat the water (decreasing efficiency and increasing energy bills), and can even damage the heating elements in electric models or create noisy operation. Flushing is the key process to remove this sediment.
Why Flush Your Water Heater?
Regular flushing is crucial for several reasons:
- Improved Efficiency: Sediment insulates the bottom of the tank, making it harder for the heating element or burner to transfer heat to the water. Removing it allows the unit to heat water more effectively.
- Extended Lifespan: Sediment buildup can cause the tank bottom to overheat or corrode, leading to leaks and premature failure of the unit. Flushing helps prevent this.
- Reduced Noise: Sediment can cause popping or rumbling noises as the unit heats water. Flushing often eliminates these sounds.
- Better Water Quality: While not the primary purpose, removing sediment can contribute to slightly clearer hot water.
How to Flush Your Water Heater Tank
Flushing your water heater requires shutting off the power or gas and draining the tank. After draining, you then flush out the remaining sediment.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare and Shut Down
- Gather Your Tools: You'll need a garden hose, a bucket, and potentially a wrench.
- Turn Off Power/Gas:
- Electric Heater: Locate the circuit breaker panel and turn off the breaker labeled for the water heater.
- Gas Heater: Turn the gas valve on the unit to the "Pilot" setting or "Off."
- Turn Off Cold Water Supply: Locate the cold water shut-off valve on the pipe leading into the top of the water heater (usually blue or marked "Cold"). Turn it off completely.
- Open a Hot Water Faucet: Open a hot water faucet somewhere in your house (like a sink or tub) and let it run until the water is no longer hot. This helps release pressure in the tank.
Step 2: Drain the Tank
- Connect the Hose: Attach one end of a standard garden hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the water heater tank.
- Direct the Hose: Run the other end of the hose to a safe drainage location, such as a floor drain, outside your house, or into large buckets if draining outside isn't feasible. Ensure the hose slopes downwards for proper drainage.
- Open the Drain Valve: Open the drain valve on the water heater. You might need a flathead screwdriver or a wrench depending on the valve type.
- Allow Tank to Drain: Let the water drain completely. This can take 30-60 minutes depending on the tank size and amount of sediment. You may notice sediment chunks coming out with the water.
Step 3: Flush Out Sediment
Once the tank is empty or nearly empty from the initial drain, it's time to flush out the remaining sediment.
- As the reference mentions, you will flush out what is still left in terms of sediment likely at the bottom of the tank after the tank is already empty of most water.
Here’s how to do the flush:
- Close the Drain Valve: Close the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
- Turn On Cold Water Supply: Slowly open the cold water shut-off valve at the top of the tank. You will hear the tank refilling.
- Open Drain Valve Briefly: After the tank has refilled somewhat, briefly open the drain valve again. The rush of incoming cold water will stir up and push out more sediment through the drain valve.
- Repeat Flushing: Close the drain valve, let the tank refill slightly, and open the drain valve again. Repeat this process several times until the water coming out of the drain valve runs clear and you no longer see or feel sediment.
Step 4: Refill and Restart
- Close Drain Valve: Ensure the drain valve on the water heater is completely closed.
- Open Hot Water Faucet: Make sure the hot water faucet you opened earlier is still open.
- Open Cold Water Supply: Fully open the cold water shut-off valve leading into the tank. The tank will begin refilling.
- Purge Air: Let the hot water faucet run until water flows smoothly without sputtering or air bubbles. This indicates the tank is full and air has been purged from the hot water lines.
- Turn Off Faucet: Close the hot water faucet.
- Restore Power/Gas:
- Electric Heater: Go back to the circuit breaker panel and turn the water heater breaker back on.
- Gas Heater: Turn the gas valve back to the "On" or "Hot" setting.
- Check for Leaks: Inspect the drain valve and other connections for any leaks.
Recommended Flushing Frequency
The frequency depends on your water quality. In areas with hard water (high mineral content), you may need to flush annually or even bi-annually. In areas with soft water, every 2-3 years might suffice. Check your owner's manual or consult a local plumber for specific recommendations based on your water supply.
Table of Tools Needed
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Garden Hose | To direct water from the drain valve |
| Bucket | To catch initial drips or test water clarity |
| Wrench/Pliers | To open the drain valve (if needed) |
| Flathead Screwdriver | For some types of drain valves |
By following these steps, particularly flushing out the sediment after draining, you can effectively clean your water heater at home and maintain its performance.
