How to Flush Your Water Heater

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

Flushing a water heater in a Belton, MO home

How to Flush Your Water Heater

Keeping your water heater properly maintained is one way to prevent potential water damage to your Belton, MO home. Flushing the unit can prevent buildup that could cause problems and create the need for repairs or replacement. The following are a few simple steps that will help you get the job done in no time.

1. Turn Off the Heater

The first thing that you should do before a water heater flush is to turn off the unit. Depending on the power source, this step will vary. For electric heaters, turn the power off using your home’s circuit breaker. If you have a gas heated unit, turn off the gas supply and make sure the flame is extinguished.

2. Drain the Heater

Once you are sure the water heater is off, you will need to drain the water from the unit. To do this, you can use a simple garden hose connected to the heater’s drain valve. Allow the water to drain into a safe area in the yard, turning off the water supply after a couple minutes. You should use protective gloves during this step to avoid burns from the hot water.

3. Refill the Heater

After the unit has been completely drained, you can fill the heater back up. Turn the water supply on after you have closed the drain valve and the heater will begin to refill. Once the water from your faucets is running smoothly, you have successfully completed the process.

Maintaining your water heater is a good idea for multiple reasons. If there is a sediment buildup, it can keep your heater from functioning properly and reduce its efficiency. A broken heater could also cause water damage that would require you to hire an emergency restoration service. While flushing your heater is a relatively simple procedure, you can always hire a professional to do the work if you prefer.