Phoenix Home Improvement Articles

Avoid Water Heater Repair By
Flushing The Heater Once Per Year

Water heaters will build up mineral deposits over a period of time and if ignored, the heater will not perform efficiently and its useful life will be reduced. If you want to avoid the expense of plumbing repair and/or the high cost of water heater replacement, it should be thoroughly flushed at least once per year and preferably twice per year.

How To Flush A Water Heater.

1. Shut off the electric power source.
   Unplug the connection or shutoff the circuit breaker to the heater. Leave the water supply open and if the heater is non-electric, leave the gas or propane on.
2. If you have a gas or propane water heater, make a note of what the desirable temperature setting is and then turn the heat control to the lowest temperature setting.
3. Attach a garden hose to the drain which will look like a hose bib or a threaded hole at or near the bottom of the heater tank. Stretch the hose to an exterior drainage area and then open the water drain on the heater allowing the water to drain from the heater. Be cautious of a burn injury since the water leaving the heater will likely be hot.
4. After several minutes of draining, fill a bucket with the flushing water. Let the water settle in the bucket for a minute or so and check for any mineral sediments that will settle at the bottom of the bucket. If the water in the bucket is discolored or if sediment is observed, continue letting the heater flush, rechecking the "bucket test".
5. When the bucket water is completely clear and free of mineral sediments, close the drain cock and disconnect the water hose.
6. Restore electric power or return the gas control setting to the previously noted setting. In ample time, the water temperature will heat back up to the desired temperature.

It's a great feeling when you know for sure the hot water your family is using is clear and clean. And it's always nice when you do the repairs necessary to extend the life of your water heater and help avoid the cost of replacement and plumbing repair service.