How to Clean Water Tanks

Most people do not know that they need to clean their water tank regularly. They turn on the water and just always expect to get nice hot water. The time will come when all of a sudden the water heater will stop working and they will have to go out and get a new tank. If you take the time to clean out your water tank every year, you can extend its life for many years.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose

Instructions

1. Turn off the power. This is usually a hard-wired appliance, so you will need to turn off the breaker at your electric panel. If it is plugged in, unplug it from the wall as well. To make sure you have successfully turned off the power if you are not sure, run the hot water in a faucet for a few minutes to see if it kicks on.

2. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and the other end into the floor drain, toilet or whatever plumbing you have available. Turn off the cold water valve at the top of the tank. Turn on all the hot water faucets in the house, all the way open.

3. Turn on the drain valve and allow the tank to drain. There is nothing wrong with using this water for washing clothes, since you have already paid to heat it. Empty the tank totally until no more water is coming out of the hose.

4. Close the drain valve. If the last bit of water coming out of your hose was murky, turn the cold water valve back on at the top of the tank. Allow a gallon or two of water to flow in. Turn off the cold water and open the drain valve. Repeat this process until the water runs clear.

5. Check your electric heating element by unscrewing the screws holding the face plate and pull out the anode. Wipe it clean if there is a buildup of sediment or replace it if it looks corroded. This should only be done when the tank is empty.

6. Close the drain valve. Open the cold water valve and allow the tank to fill. Wait until there is no more air coming out of the hot water faucets and the water is running strong, and turn them all off. Allow the tank to fill completely.

7. Turn the power back on by either plugging it in or flipping the circuit breaker for the water heater. You should clean your water tank once a year.