When you flush a water heater, you can substantially reduce the amount of sediment within the water heater and you may decrease energy costs, minimize the noise, and reduce several types of odors.
Many experts have indicated that this technique could improve the efficiency of multiple components. Here are a few tips to flush a water heater, but remember, you don’t have to do it on your own. You can always contact your local plumbers to inspect the water heater, perform routine maintenance, and complete necessary repairs.
Deactivating the Water Heater and Evaluating the Thermostat
Initially, you should turn off the valve that supplies cold water. Some houses also contain water softeners and before you flush the water heater, you can temporarily deactivate the water softener. Moreover, you could turn off the thermostat that is attached to the water heater. If your water heater utilizes gas, you can also turn off the valve that supplies the gas.
Removing the Water From the Tank
Typically, you should connect a hose to the drain valve, and subsequently, you could open this valve. The water will quickly flow into the hose. This water may contain multiple types of sediment, yet the water can easily pass through the valve. Once you attach the hose, the water could flow into a large tank and after you drain the water heater, you should empty the tank.
While you are removing the water, you could also turn on multiple faucets. This technique can substantially reduce the air pressure within the water heater and once you turn on the faucets, the water can quickly flow through the lower valve. After you remove the water, you may also examine the level of sediment within the water.
Completing the Process
Once you drain the water, you can turn on the valve that supplies cold water. Typically, the cold water will remove the remaining sediment, and the cold liquid could quickly clean the tank.
Utilizing a Wet Vacuum
You may attach a wet vacuum to the lower valve, and this device will remove extra sediment from the tank. The wet vacuum can also extract sediment that has accumulated within the valve. The product may substantially improve the efficiency of the valve. After you use the wet vacuum, you can close the drain valve.
Testing the Faucets
After you remove the extra sediment, you can turn on several faucets and while the hot water is flowing, the faucets will also reduce the level of air within the water tank. While you observe the water, you might notice sediment, rust, and other types of particles. Eventually, the water will become clear again, and if you see clear water, the faucets have successfully removed the remaining sediment.
Reactivating the Water Heater
Once you flush the water heater, you can turn on the thermostat and you may easily adjust the settings. If your water heater utilizes gas, you could also reactivate the valve that supplies the gas. Subsequently, you should test your water heater and usually this strategy can reduce energy costs by more than 15 percent.
How Often Should You Do This?
Typically, you should flush your water heater every four months. When you frequently perform routine maintenance, you can increase the efficiency of the water heater, and you may also improve the durability of many components, decrease sediment, and reduce the costs of repairs.
Contact a Professional
We are experienced plumbing professionals that can install, inspect, and perform repairs for your water heater. Contact us today!