How to Flush a Hot Water Heater

Lime and other mineral deposits can collect on the elements of your water heater, causing them to work less efficiently and eventually ruining them. Regularly flushing these deposits from your water heater will keep it working at a more efficient level, which will save you money on energy costs. Furthermore, your water will be cleaner, and you will probably extend the life of your water heater.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose

Instructions

How to Flush a Hot Water Heater

1. Turn off the power to the water heater. Without water covering the elements while they are working, the elements can easily burn out.

2. Connect the garden hose and begin draining the water. Connect a garden hose to the drain at the bottom of the water heater. Leave the water on for a few minutes to help stir up the deposits at the bottom of the water heater. Then turn off the water to the heater and turn on a couple of hot water faucets in the house.

3. Turn on the water. After your water heater has finished draining, turn on the water to the heater. Leave the hose connected and also leave the drain valve open until the water running from the hose is clean. You can then close the drain valve and disconnect the hose.

4. Leave the hot water faucets on until the water begins running well through them. You can then turn them off and turn on the power once again to your water heater.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot find a cutoff valve for the water on your heater, you can cut off the water to the entire house. It is generally recommended that water heaters be flushed once a year.

• Be careful where you place the end of your drain hose, because the water coming from the water heater will be hot. Hot water can kill flowers, plants and grass. If you have problems, call a licensed and professional plumber.

References

• wikiHow: How to Flush a Water Heater