How to Flush a Water Heater

Flushing your water heater is a simple do-it-yourself project that can be done without the help of a professional. Mineral deposits build up in the water heater causing it to run less efficiently. Flush the water heater once a year in order to extend its life.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Garden Hose

1. Make a note as to what the temperature is set at on propane or natural gas water heaters before turning the temperature to the lowest setting. Locate the circuit breaker for the water heater and turn it off, if it is electric.

2. Affix a garden hose to the draincock, at the bottom of the water heater. The draincock will look like a round dial with a hole in the middle. Extend the hose out to an area where water can be flushed safely, such as a driveway or a drain.

3. Allow the water to exit the water heater by opening the draincock. The water will be under regular household pressure when it comes out, so be careful. If the water heater is several years old, the draincock could break easily and be hard to open.

4. Flush the water heater for 5 minutes, and then fill a bucket with the water that is still flushing out. Let the water sit undisturbed for 1 minute in order to see if any sediment is in the water. If there is sediment in the water, flush the water heater again, until the water is completely free of sediment.

5. Close the draincock and take off the garden hose. Turn the circuit breaker back on for electric water heaters or set the desired temperature on a gas or propane water heater. Allow several minutes for the water heater to heat water back up before using it.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not shut off the water or gas supply to the water heater.

• Use caution when flushing the water heater, because the water will be hot.