How to Flush a Water Heater
How to Flush a Water Heater
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How to Flush a Water Heater
Jun 12, 2021

How to Flush a Water Heater

A water heater provides homeowners a great deal of convenience. It gets the job done so well that the water heater is often taken for granted. A sudden water heater issue and a cold shower are all it takes to remind you of the importance of this appliance.
In our experience at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, water heaters can last anywhere up to fifteen years before needing to be replaced. This lifespan depends significantly on the maintenance, though. Water heaters that are routinely flushed offer longer service life.
Flushing the water heater will get rid of excessive minerals and debris in the tank and is actually a major troubleshooting step for when your water heater is faulty. We will go over how to flush a water heater. For those who need urgent assistance, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is ready to deliver quality water heater service and repairs.

Why Flush the Water Heater?

Flushing the water heater is the “have you tried turning it off and back on again?” of water heater plumbing. It is like pressing the reset button. It is also a method to tackle some common water heater issues:

  • Sediment Buildup
  • Mineral Scale Buildup
  • Slow Heating
  • Void Warranties (Manufacturers require routine flushing for warranties to remain valid)

For these reasons, and more, we recommend homeowners and property owners flush their water heater once or twice every year.

Flushing the Water Heater

Before you get started on flushing the water heater, you need to turn off the appliance and drain the existing water from the tank. Shut off the electrical and gas supplies. Next, connect a hose to the drain valve and run the hose to a drain. Open the drain valve and allow the water heater to fully drain. If you can, remove the hot water pipe at the top of the water heater to drain faster.
Great! Once the tank has been emptied out, the rest is quick and easy. With the drain hose still attached, turn on the water and let it run for a minute or so. Allow the water to fully drain out of the tank, then repeat this process several times to flush out sediment and debris accumulated in the tank. You should notice the drainage coming out of the hose getting clearer and clearer.
That’s it! Now that you are finished flushing the water tank, it is time to wrap it up. Remove the hose and close the drain valve. Replace the hot water pipe and seal it shut. Next, turn on the electric, gas, and water supply. Once the tank has filled with water, give it a start and check your hot water in about an hour or two. 

Still Having Problems?

Was a flush not enough to get your water heater working again? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to speak with a live representative. Our friendly staff and qualified plumbers are on standby to take your call at any time. We can have a plumber dispatched to your location in as soon as within the hour.