wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Do not turn off the pilot or gas to the water heater just turn it to the lowest setting. How to Flush a Water Heater: Before you tackle any service to the water heater, turn off all of the electricity to the unit, including the breaker. The water will slowly get colder as the hot water is used up and replaced by cold. Make sure to plan ahead if you want to recycle the water. Turn the Cold Water Valve Off. This thing happens in the DIY blogosphere. The pressure relief valve is usually a lever that you flip into an "up" position to open it. This article received 21 testimonials and 97% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Some Pressure relief valves may be damaged when opened and have to be replaced. Quickly learn how to drain and flush a hot water heater to remove sediments and prevent corrosion. Acid is used but it is a professional task and the acid used will depend on the construction of the heater. If you know which branch circuit breaker is powering your water heater, turn this individual switch off. Be careful, as the water may be very hot. I did not have to buy a new hot water heater. Install the new full-port valve in closed position. Place the opposite end of the garden hose in a nearby bathtub or outside through an exterior door. … I left on the, "I checked online for step-by-step instructions on the proper procedure to drain my water heater. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. Your water heater will operate more efficiently and this will usually extend the life of the heater. Great photography! These are called "branch circuits breakers," and they provide protection against electrical overload to different circuits powering your house. On an electric water heater, sediment buildup can cause the lower heating element to fail. We recommend our users to update the browser. Sign up for our newsletter! If the water is clear and you see no sediment , you may carry on to the next step. On an electric water heater, turn the electric off to the heater. Attach a hose to the drain valve and run the hose to a drain or empty bucket Drain the water heater tank by opening the drain valve and allow the water to flow until it stops, you may have to empty a bucket several times during this process. If you plan to use the water for other purposes, turn the heat off ahead of time and allow the water to cool overnight before draining. The thermostat for the gas heater is usually a red knob located on the outside of the heater where the gas pipe enters the unit. Hope this is okay. Follow this simple process to ensure optimal tankless water heater … Plumber Tips – How to Flush a Water Heater. There are many things it could possibly be. 90% of the time, one of the elements have to be replaced (normally the lower one). % of people told us that this article helped them. This 65 y/o female, who had never flushed a hot water heater, easily and confidently accomplished the, "This article lets me know I can do this job myself and don't need to pay someone else to do it. The drain cock may be hidden under a removable cover. garden hose adapter (one choice is the BrassCraft/Plumbshop No. After all the compressed air has escaped, close the pressure-relief valve again. If you don't have a garden hose, you can use a bucket to catch the water and dump it somewhere safe manually. Lets hope it lasts a couple more years. Shut off the gas or electricity to the water heater. Step 6: Turn On the Drain Pipe Valve to Expel Water from the Heater. To create this article, 42 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. How to Extend Your Water Heater’s Lifespan, How to Install a Power-Vented Water Heater, Extend the Life of Your Water Heater by Replacing the Anode Rod, Water Heater Repair: How to Replace the TPR Valve, How to Replace a Water Heater Thermocouple, How to Repair or Replace Defective Water Heater Dip Tubes, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), How to Adjust Your Water Heater’s Temperature, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents, 1-1/4-in. I.D. Regarding water heaters, one of the common questions Grove Heating & Cooling plumbers hear from homeowners is whether or not they should flush their tankless water heater and, if so, how often. Some gate valves have a "stop" before they are fully closed or open, so be sure you turn the valve past that stop. That will not work. Love that it covered electric and gas heaters. By using our site, you agree to our. To learn how to get your heater back up and running when you're done, scroll down! Regular flushing will keep your heater free of debris, but most plumbers caution that if the valve hasn't been opened in more than five years, it may be best not to attempt turning the handle as the valve may fail. Turn off the pump. To reduce sediment accumulation, install a whole-house filtration system. https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/how-to-flush-your-hot-water-heater Clear and to the point. Flushing your hot water heater could be necessary as often as every few months depending on the mineral content of your local water supply. To flush the tank, connect a garden hose to your spigot and make sure it leads to a drain. Open the drain valve and allow the tank to completely drain. So learning how to drain a water heater and flushing offers a payback in lower energy bills and extended heater life. Don't overfill the bucket since the hot water can soften cheaper plastic buckets or can burn you. Flushing out your water heater can be a daunting task. Once you've done that, attach a garden hose to the drain valve on the bottom of your heater and run it outside or into a bucket. Open a hot water faucet. Shut off the cold water valve at the top of the tank and attach a garden hose to the existing drain valve and route it to a floor drain. Perform a quick flush. I did it this weekend and not much, "By following your directions, the whole process was very easy. To avoid damaging this safety component open the highest faucet/sink on the house to bleed air out of the heater and lines when you open the water supply valves back on. Open a hot water faucet on an upper floor and the water heater drain valve. While applying suction through the TPR port with a shop vacuum, unscrew and remove the valve by turning the plastic nut behind the knob. Last Updated: April 4, 2020 To simplify the process, drain straight into a suitable basement drain or sump hole. ", "Very well done. Turn on hot water faucets on all fixtures and run to remove air bubbles. To create this article, 42 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Here’s how to flush a water heater… Drain the Water Heater Connect a garden hose to the hose bib near the bottom of the water heater and extend the hose to a floor drain or outside location. Thank you so much. How to Back-Flush a Water Heater. x 1-1/2-in. Sounds pointless, sure, but the real point behind draining the water is to flush out all of the sediment that accumulates at the bottom of the tank. piece of 1/2-in. However, instead of turning the hot water faucet, I, "My old LP Bradford White lasted about 20 years before the bottom rotted out. A water heater flush is when a professional drains your water heater tank of all its water. (Twist-tie the handle to the valve so you don't lose it.). Next, rotate the water shut-off valve on your heater clockwise to turn off the cold water supply. To learn how to get your heater back up and running when you're done, scroll down! If you have an electric one, just turn off the breaker in the panel that controls it. When you turn off the cold water valve at the top, then no hot water will flow. Allow the water heater to cool. The basic procedure calls for little more in the way of tools than a garden hose and some pliers to turn a stuck drain plug. I wonder if flushing the water heater could save money? Demonstrates how to flush and clean sediment out of water heaters using the Turbo Tank Cleaner tool. Turn the Water Heater Off. Do not turn on the power yet. Tug hard and straight out on the handle, but be careful because the metal parts may be hot. Step 1: Let the Water Cool Turn off the water heater. If you are unsure of which fuse to remove, look for a large rectangular box with a handle/lever at the top of the panel. In this case, you will need to unscrew and remove the fuse that is powering your water heater (similar to turning off the branch circuit breaker). You should see small on/off switches. Flush annually or every 6 months if your home has a water softener that uses salt. That’s the sound of steam bubbles percolating up through the muck. If you turn the power on without filling, the heating element can be damaged. The amount of sediment you observe will help you determine how frequently you need to flush that heater. ", "The clarity of the pics made each step easy to follow. A water heater moves hot water through your home when... 3. This article has been viewed 1,017,474 times. Remove the vacuum hose from the TPR port and flush the tank. In some homes, it is located in the garage and in others it can be on the outside of the house. How to Flush Sediment Out of a Water Heater 1. As the water drains out of the tank, you can use this time to see the conditions that your heater may be experiencing. On a gas water heater, the sediment creates hot spots that can damage the tank and cause premature failure. Step 3. It took a few hours to empty the tank. Turn off each hot water spigot once the water resumes normal flow. It is often attached to a wall. Can I turn off the cold water valve at the tank and take a shower to drain some of the hot water from the tank before I attach the hose to the drain valve? The pressure will blow out any sediment stuck in the valve and help the tank drain faster. The operational cost of your water heater reduces if you flush it as recommended. ", "The step-by-step instructions that are plain and simple were most helpful. Locate the breaker/fuse box for an electrical heater or the thermostat for a gas heater. Connect a hose to the drain valve on the heater and run to a drain. If draining hot water, also be careful of the materials you use. Let the tank drain until sediment clogs the valve and reduces the flow. If you do, the heating element will be damaged. Use this guide to flush your water heater. What does a water heater flush do? If you open the box and find round, glass topped shapes or small tubes with metal ends, you have a fuse box, not a breaker box. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. female PVC trap adapter, 24-in. Locate the water heater’s drain valve, typically found near the bottom of the tank. This article has been viewed 1,017,474 times. The schedule for flushing heaters varies. I just hate to waste all that hot water drown the drain! If you have an electric water heater, turn the electrical power to the water heater off at the breaker box. ", "The safety tips were extremely helpful.". Flushing a water heater is a task that any homeowner can perform. I found your, "It was very informative, I did not know one had to do this to a water heater. A vacation setting might do the trick. Close the cold water shut-off valve. Water Heater Flush for Sediment: Drain the Tank At this time, you can begin to drain the unit by turning the spigot that the hose is connected to. ", "This how-to was quick, clear, easy to understand, and straight to the point. Before You Begin a Water Heater Flush. Learn more... Water heaters should be flushed every one to three years depending on the model and water source. Learn the process of draining a water heater and flushing out the accumulated sediment. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. This way you do not have to go through the relighting procedures; you will just have to turn up the gas control valve. Steps for Draining a Water Heater . Flushing a water heater helps you to clear out the chunks of sediment inside your water heater. Shut the cold water off to the water heater. It is often attached to a wall. Also remember to turn off the hot water faucet in your sink or tub. faucets until the air was bled out of the lines, and now my shower works perfectly and no more noise. Turn the cold water valve off. The best bet is to turn off the heater (gas or electric) and take a shower. If you do not feel comfortable doing this work yourself, call a licensed plumber. If the water heater is gas, set the gas valve to “Pilot” to prevent the burners from coming on while performing the flush. Flush yours if it's a few years old or you just moved into a new home. Remove the handle from the ball valve so you can assemble all the 3/4-inch fittings. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Step 1. You've read a bunch of articles online, on reputable-looking websites, telling you that you must drain your water heater to flush out the sediment. Then there is the thermostat, the dip tube, sediment, etc. Turn the main power off, but know that all the power to your house will be shut off for the time-being. Five stars. We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. Always remove your aerators from your faucets and when your tank is clean and full run a little clean water at each before reinstalling. In the process, they clear out sediment and other buildup inside the tank and provide a clean and clear surface for heating water. This is what the sediment in your water heater looks like. Fill the water heater tank Open the cold water supply valve. Listen carefully to the water heater to determine if it is working. More energy will be consumed when it’s tough for your heating element to transfer heat thus higher utility bills. Turn off the cold water supply and allow the heater to cool (this may take a couple of hours). I have a new one and will be draining, "I would like to keep my heater as long as possible and found the article very helpful. ", turned the cold water faucet. This helps to control the buildup of mineral deposits. Allow the water to finish draining and remove the second hose. The knob should have 3 settings: "Pilot," "On," and "Off.". Open the hot water tap on the bathtub or wash basin and wait for a full stream of water. To avoid spoiling the whole place with water, cover the tube with a bathroom cloth to reduce pressure. Then reinstall the TPR valve and blow-off tube. Approved. A service technician attaches a hose to your tank, empties it into an approved drain, then fills the water back up. On a gas water heater, turn the gas valve to the off position. Use a garden hose when draining your water heater. Complete DIY projects like a pro! We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. If a gas unit, do not shut off the gas supply to the heater. Build a new drain valve with a 3/4-inch full-port brass ball valve with threaded ends, a 3-inch x 3/4-inch galvanized nipple and a 3/4-inch MIP x G.H. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,017,474 times. You’ll need a garden hose and a double-female garden hose coupler (available online for about $8) so you can connect two male threads together. When you're done, close the ball valve and leave it in place, but remove the lever handle to prevent accidental opening. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Are any additives such as distilled vinegar ever used in the flushing/draining process? A similar example of this is when you cover the top of a straw to retain water. ", "Best I have ever seen. The main circuit breaker should have higher amperage values like 100, 150, or 200. Open a hot water faucet and let it run full blast for about 10 minutes to reduce the water temperature in the tank. If the water heater is electric, turn off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker box. If electric unit, be sure to turn off at circuit box before draining. A 90-degree turn closes and opens the ball valve, but a gate valve takes many turns. Extend the hose out side and away from the structure. It even had videos! Gas and propane supply valves for non-electric heaters can be left on. The valve could open and release scalding water, causing serious burns. Glue a 1-1/2-inch PVC x 3/4-inch FIP adapter (A) onto a female PVC trap adapter (B). Art Plumbing, AC & Electric offers a wide range of water heater maintenance and installation services. One sign of excessive sediment buildup is a popping or rumbling sound coming from your water heater. Finally, open the drain valve to drain the water out of the heater. If you allowed the water to cool overnight, you can drain it into buckets and save the water to use on the yard or for other purposes. If the tank is empty but you suspect sediment remains, turn the cold-water supply back on to allow more water into the unit. 12-Step Tankless Water Heater Flushing Procedure Over time, a tankless water heater may accumulate mineral build up which can erode the walls inside your tank's heating chamber. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. ", "Very helpful. If the water is cloudy or you see sand-like material on the bottom of the bucket, continue draining the tank until the water is clear (free of sediment or discoloration). Remove the full-port valve and suck out the remaining sediment with your shop vacuum adapter and 1/2-inch vinyl tubing. Attach one end of the garden hose to the valve and run the other end into a colander set over the floor drain. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. It reduces the energy cost as the water heater runs efficiently. To back-flush a water heater, you connect a hose between the drain valve and an outdoor faucet, and squirt water back into the water heater through the drain valve. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Do not power on without filling with water completely. The water can be very hot at this stage unless you let the water heater sufficiently cool down, be careful! To flush a water heater, start by turning off the heater's power source using the breaker or thermostat. Before you shut off the water, connect a garden hose to the drain valve and try and flush the water heater tank a bit while the water pressure is on.To do this, open the drain valve for a few seconds and then close it again. Close blue color cold water drain valve & put the cap on it like the previous setting. The breaker box or fuse box is usually a small, grey power panel (about the size of a shoebox) with a swinging door. If you’ve never flushed your water heater, or haven’t done it in years, you could be in for a nasty surprise—in the form of sediment build-up that can shorten the life of your heater. Being in my 70's, I need all, "Did it myself instead of continuing to get jerked around by plumbers and waiting almost 4 weeks for usable hot, "Brilliant! It answered several questions I had in my mind! Cover the drain cock and hose connection with a towel or rag to prevent scorching water from bursting and spraying in case there is a pressure leak especially if the water heater supplies a second floor or if located in a basement. Someone gets up on YouTube and gives a tutorial on how to clean out the sediment from your water heater. ", sediment came out, especially since it's 24 years old. Attach the shop vacuum hose and fire up the vacuum. Be aware that the water coming out of the tank will likely be VERY hot and should not come into contact with people, pets, or plants. The breaker box or fuse box is usually a small, grey power panel (about the size of a shoebox) with a swinging door. It can also remove weird odors that may be coming from the hot water. Thread a garden hose onto the drain valve on the water heater tank. HU22-12-12TP). Before you begin draining your water heater, you will first need to find the main power source and turn it off. Then, turn on a hot water faucet in one of your sinks or tubs to prevent a vacuum from forming in the lines. Home / Uncategorized / Plumber Tips – How to Flush a Water Heater. ", "I understood how to drain my hot water heater. Don't use it for delicate plants, though, or to wash your car, given the presence of sediment. Remove the ball valve handle after you flush the water heater, especially if the water heater is located where people could walk by it and accidentally bump the handle. Note: If you have a drain p an underneath that is … Low-quality hoses and buckets may soften due to the heat, causing leaks. Repeat this process until the discharge is clear. Step 2. Remove the temperature-pressure release valve and screw in the vacuum adapter. Close the upstairs hot water faucet and water heater drain valve. What do I do if the water is hot, but gets cold after a few minutes? It helps extend the lifespan of your water heater as well as the efficiency. To properly maintain and clean your tankless water heater, it’s important to flush those mineral deposits at least once a year. For natural gas and propane (LP) water heaters, make a note of what the temperature setting is and then turn the thermostat, the large red dial on the front of the control, to the lowest setting, or "Pilot.". https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-flush-a-water-heater ", "Thank you for the clear directions! There are two types of valves in use: ball valves and gate valves. Make sure water flows at a rate that wherever you are draining to can be managed. "Everything that was suggested worked perfectly! If you have an electric water heater, turn off the power switch. No water will come out of the faucet; this simply helps to relieve the pressure inside the water heater tank. Close the cold water service port and remove the attached hose Open the cold water shut-off valve to flush out any remaining vinegar through the second hose into your bucket for about ten minutes.