Cleaning a storage water heater primarily involves flushing the tank to remove accumulated sediment, which can improve efficiency and extend the life of the unit.
Over time, mineral deposits and sediment can build up at the bottom of your water heater tank. This sediment can reduce heating efficiency, cause noise, and potentially damage the tank. Regularly flushing the tank is the main method for cleaning the inside of a storage water heater.
The Process of Flushing Your Water Heater Tank
Before starting any maintenance, always turn off the power supply to electric water heaters (at the breaker) or the gas supply to gas water heaters. Also, turn off the cold water supply valve leading to the heater.
After the heater has cooled down sufficiently, you can inspect the tank for debris. According to one method, you can "peer through the clean hole with a torch to find debris, soot or dust that are left behind."
Once you've identified the need for cleaning or are performing routine maintenance, the critical step is draining the tank. As referenced:
- To remove them, open a hot water tap and the pressure release valve, then use a hose and bucket to drain the water from the tank until it runs clear and free of sediment.
Here's a breakdown of the flushing process:
- Connect a Hose: Attach a garden hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the water heater.
- Direct the Hose: Run the other end of the hose to a suitable drainage area, such as a floor drain or outside. Ensure the hose lies flat or downhill to facilitate draining.
- Open Valves: Open the hot water tap at a faucet within your home (e.g., a sink or tub) to prevent a vacuum from forming. Also, open the pressure relief valve on the water heater itself.
- Drain the Tank: Open the drain valve on the water heater. Water will begin to flow out through the hose, carrying sediment with it.
- Monitor the Water: Allow the tank to drain completely or until the water flowing from the hose appears clear and free of sediment. This might require draining and refilling the tank several times if there is significant buildup. Using a bucket at the end of the hose can help you check the clarity of the water being drained.
- Close Valves: Once the water runs clear, close the drain valve on the water heater. Close the hot water tap inside the house and the pressure relief valve on the heater.
- Refill the Tank: Open the cold water supply valve to the water heater to refill the tank.
- Purge Air: Turn on a hot water faucet inside the house again and let it run until water flows smoothly, indicating all air has been purged from the tank.
- Restore Power: Once the tank is full and air is purged, you can turn the power or gas supply back on to the water heater.
Regular flushing, typically once a year, is a proactive step to maintain your storage water heater's performance and longevity.
Summary of Key Steps for Flushing:
- Turn off power/gas and cold water supply.
- Attach hose to drain valve and direct to drain.
- Open a hot water tap and the pressure relief valve.
- Open the drain valve and flush until water is clear.
- Close valves and refill tank.
- Purge air from lines.
- Restore power/gas.
