How to Flush Your Hot Water Heater
- Turn the Knob on Your Hot Water Heater’s Thermostat to “Off” …
- Turn Off Gas to Hot Water Heater. …
- Turn Off the Cold Water Supply to Hot Water Heater. …
- Turn on the Hot Water in a Sink or Tub. …
- Connect Garden Hose to Drainage Spigot. …
- Turn on Spigot and Drain. …
- Flush.
May 5, 2016
Is it worth flushing your water heater?
It is recommended that you flush your water heater at least once per year. Doing so will help to prevent the potential problems that sediment can bring over time.
How do you flush sediment out of a water heater?
How to Flush Sediment Out of a Water Heater
- Turn the Water Heater Off. …
- Turn the Cold Water Valve Off. …
- Let the water cool. …
- Attach a drain or garden hose to the drain valve on the side of the tank. …
- Place the end of the hose in a bucket or drain. …
- Turn on a faucet (or two) …
- Start draining the tank by turning on the drain valve.
How long does it take to flush your water heater?
This can take 20 to 60 minutes, depending on how big the tank is. Be careful not to damage or break the drain valve when you open and close it. Never force the valve open or closed. When all the water has drained from the tank, turn on the cold water valve at the top of the tank 3 times.
How often should you flush water heaters?
every six months
Tip: To maintain the upkeep of your water heater, flush your water heater every six months or so. If you have harder water, or water that contains more minerals, you may want to flush it more often.
How much does it cost to flush a water heater?
between $80 and $100
What does it cost to flush a water heater? The cost of flushing a water heater can vary quite a lot depending on the area, the quality of the plumber, and the type of water heater. Generally, for most standard water heaters, a flush will cost between $80 and $100.
How do I clean sludge from the bottom of my water tank?
You can drain the water from the tank, hose it out, and sweep out the bottom. This way, you can be sure you get all the sludge, but emptying out the tank and climbing into it can be dangerous or difficult. You could also get a rainwater tank pump for cleaning, which will suck the sludge out.
Do hot water heaters need to be drained?
A water heater needs to be properly drained as part of its regular maintenance. Over time, sediment builds up in the bottom of a water heater, which can lead to clogs, says The Family Handyman.
