How to Flush a Water Heater

Flushing your water heater is a simple but essential maintenance task that keeps it running efficiently and extends its lifespan. Over time, sediment and mineral buildup can reduce performance, increase energy costs, and even lead to damage. Regular maintenance ensures you get hot water when you need it and helps prevent costly repairs.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Flushing

Not sure if it’s time to clean your water heater? Watch for these warning signs:

• Hot water runs out faster than usual
• Water temperature fluctuates
• Rumbling or popping noises coming from the tank
• Low water pressure from hot taps
• Discolored or murky hot water
• No water coming out of the drain valve (likely clogged with sediment)

If you notice any of these, it's time to flush your water heater! Most manufacturers recommend doing this once a year to maintain efficiency and extend the unit’s lifespan.

Tools & Materials You'll Need

Before you start, gather these essentials:

✔️ Garden hose (long enough to reach a drain or outside)
✔️ Flathead screwdriver (to open the drain valve)
✔️ Towels (to catch any spills)
✔️ Bucket (optional, for controlling drainage)
✔️ Adjustable wrench (if needed for certain models)

Step-by-Step: How to Flush a Water Heater

1️⃣ Turn Off the Power & Water Supply

• Gas Water Heaters: Turn the thermostat to "Pilot" or shut off the gas completely. If you need to relight the pilot later, follow your manufacturer’s instructions.
• Electric Water Heaters: Shut off the power at the circuit breaker.
• Turn off the cold water supply to the heater. If there's no dedicated shut-off valve, you may need to turn off the main water supply to your home.

2️⃣ Drain the Water Heater

• Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Run the hose to a drain, sump pump, or outside.
• Open a hot water faucet inside the house—this allows air into the system and helps the tank drain faster.
• Use a flathead screwdriver or the drain valve handle to open the valve. The water will begin to flow out. Be cautious—it’s very hot!
• How long does it take? Draining may take 20-60 minutes depending on the tank size and sediment buildup.

🚨 If nothing comes out of the drain valve, it's likely clogged with sediment. You can try briefly turning the cold water back on to loosen debris.

3️⃣ Flush Out Sediment

• Once the tank is empty, turn the cold water supply back on for a few minutes to flush out any remaining sediment.
• Watch the water flowing out of the hose—continue flushing until it runs clear with no visible debris.

4️⃣ Refill the Tank & Restore Power

• Close the drain valve and disconnect the hose.
• Turn the cold water back on to refill the tank.
• Keep the hot water faucet open inside the house until water flows smoothly—this removes trapped air.
• Restore power:
  • Gas heater? Relight the pilot light and turn the gas valve back to its normal setting.
  • Electric heater? Flip the circuit breaker back on.

✅ Check for leaks around the drain valve and supply connections.

What About Tankless Water Heaters?

Tankless models don’t store water, but they still need maintenance to prevent mineral buildup. Cleaning a tankless water heater requires a pump, vinegar solution, and special flush valves. Check your owner's manual or contact a professional for detailed steps.

Why Flushing Your Water Heater Matters

If you skip this step, sediment will:

❌ Reduce your hot water supply
❌ Make your water heater work harder, increasing energy costs
❌ Cause strange noises (popping, knocking)
❌ Damage heating elements & anode rods
❌ Eventually lead to system failure

Keep Your Hot Water Flowing!

Need a new water heater? The Trade Table carries top-quality gas, electric, and tankless models to upgrade your home’s hot water system. Browse our selection today and enjoy better performance, efficiency, and reliability! 🚀