Empty the water heater to boost efficiency and prevent potential issues in the future.
A crucial chore that many homeowners tend to neglect is draining and cleaning their water heaters. Despite being quite simple, this maintenance step plays an important role in keeping your unit functional over time. Generally speaking, based on how old the water heater is as well as the condition of your local water supply, you should aim to perform this procedure roughly twice annually or at least once yearly.
Typically, if your water heater is nearing the end of its life span or you reside in a region with hard water containing high levels of minerals, it’s advisable to drain the water heater every six months to maintain its best performance.
Meet the Expert
Josh Mitchell
serves as a skilled plumbing technician and runs PlumbingLab.com, a site focused on plumbing resources. There, along with his team, they provide plumbing guidance, evaluations, and comprehensive tutorials for individuals looking to handle their own do-it-yourself plumbing tasks.
What Is the Reason for Draining My Water Heater?
Flushing the water heater is an important step in keeping these vital household devices well-maintained.
As time passes, sediment gathers at the base of the tank,” explains Josh Mitchell, a plumbing technician and owner of PlumbingLab.com. “This accumulation can decrease heating efficiency, lessen your water heater’s longevity, and boost energy costs. Additionally, it might lead to gurgling or crackling noises because the sediment captures water, forming steam bubbles.
To maintain your water heater effectively, it’s crucial to drain and flush the tank approximately every six months to one year. Neglecting this task can cause increased energy costs due to sediment buildup hindering efficient heating. Prolonged disregard might result in complete failure of the water heater.
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4 Indicators That It’s Time to Drain Your Water Heater
If you’re unsure about whether your water heater should be drained right away or if you can wait a little longer before draining and flushing the tank, keep an eye out for certain indications that might suggest you’ve delayed this task for too long.
-
Unpleasant odors emanating from your hot water
You might be referring to bacteria residing in your water heater. Usually, setting the thermostat of your water heater to approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit for around eight hours should eliminate these microorganisms. Afterward, flushing out the tank will help remove any remaining impurities. -
There is either no hot water or only warm water available.
A buildup of sediment within the water heater, accumulating on and around the heating elements, might indicate that the appliance isn’t functioning correctly. To resolve this issue, drain and clean the water heater to remove the sediment from the tank and improve your hot water supply. -
Unusual noises coming from the water heater
Sounds such as rumbling or popping, frequently suggest the presence of sediment within the tank. Draining and flushing the tank ought to help in ceasing these noises from the water heater.
making these odd noises
. -
Rust-colored hot water
This indicates that mineral buildup is occurring within your water heater, causing rust and degradation of the tank. You should consider draining and cleaning the unit, and possibly replacing the anode rod to stop additional damage to the tank.
How to Empty a Hot Water Heater
Draining a water heater
It’s quite straightforward, although the procedure requires several hours for draining the tank, refilling it, and heating the water. As such, numerous do-it-yourself enthusiasts prefer to start the drainage and refilling process in the evening, letting the water heater warm up the water throughout the night.
- Begin by disconnecting the power and gas supplies to the water heater. For an electric model, simply switch off the electricity.
- Next, shut off the cold water intake valve positioned at the upper part of the water heater.
- Find the drain valve located at the base of your water heater, connect a garden hose to it, and extend the hose to an appropriate draining spot such as a close-by laundry basin or possibly outside.
- Turn on a hot water tap at home to reduce the pressure within the system, followed by opening the drainage valve to empty the water heater.
- Once the tank has been completely emptied, reopen the cold water supply to rinse away any leftover debris, followed by closing the drain valve and disconnecting the hose.
- Allow the water heater to fill up again before restoring both the gas supply and electrical power; failing to do so could damage the heating element.
What Occurs When I Fail to Drain My Water Heater?
Flushing the water heater is crucial for maintaining its heating efficiency.
functionality
of the appliance.
Failing to address this issue can result in sediment accumulation that ultimately causes corrosion of the tank.
causing leaks
Or even utter failure,” Mitchell states. “Typically, emptying your heater can prolong its lifespan by about three to five years.
Additionally, if the tank isn’t routinely emptied and cleaned, mineral accumulation can hinder the water heater’s ability to heat the water effectively, resulting in an inadequate supply of hot water when needed.
Optimal Season for Draining a Hot Water Heater
Although you generally have the option to drain your water heater anytime of the year provided you have a suitable draining spot, it’s often most advisable to do so during the spring or autumn seasons.
Mitchell states, “These periods usually experience average water consumption levels.” He adds, “This way, you can prevent possible problems when demand spikes in either winter or summer.”
Read the initial article on
The Spruce
