Tank water heaters are a dependable way to secure a fast supply of hot water for your home. The presence of a storage tank ensures some hot water is readily available. But over time, foreign substances may build up in the storage tank. This may be sediment or mineral buildup arriving from the main water line or a flaw in the pipes. Whatever the culprit is, this buildup could reduce the efficiency of water heaters. In severe cases it can plug up drainage and may even lead to premature failure.
Thankfully, draining your water heater and removing sediment buildup is a relatively simple task. An experienced plumber in Edmonton can handle the process, but you can also drain the tank yourself if you know what you’re doing. Either way, draining the tank now can help reduce the risk you’ll need premature water heater replacement.
Before You Begin…
Before you start draining the tank, you should shut off the cold water supply. The supply valve connects your water heater with the main water line. Unless you have access to a well (and you might need to drain the tank more often if you do), the water main delivers all the potable water your home uses. Keeping the valve closed will prevent more water from reaching the tank, allowing you to completely drain it.
You’ll also want to fetch a rubber hose, like one you would use for yard work. The hose allows you to safely drain the water heater tank without spilling water in your garage, utility closet, attic or wherever the water heater is stored. Make sure you put the other end of the hose far away from your home to prevent the water from flooding back inside.
Finally, a screwdriver will help you loosen tight screws or valves. You shouldn’t need any more tools than this unless you stumble upon a problem with the water heater or adjacent piping. At that point, it might be best to contact a certified plumber in Edmonton.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Heater
After you’ve cut off the water supply, you can shut off the water heater itself. This should be on the thermostat for natural gas water heaters or via a breaker switch for electric models. The pilot setting on gas water heaters can remain on during flushing, but electric models need to be completely off. This is due to the heating elements electric water heaters have, which remain submerged. In a drained tank, they may quickly overheat. You should also review the model’s manual, as some water heaters need to be completely full before the heating elements are turned on.
Even after you’ve shut off the water heater, you’ll have to wait for the water stored in the tank to cool down. It can be hours before the water reaches a safe temperature, so it is usually best to leave the remaining steps for the following day.
Step 2: Connect the Hose to the Water Heater’s Drain Valve
Tank water heaters possess a drain valve you can use to empty the storage tank. Once you’re confident the water supply is disconnected and the water heater itself is off, locate the drain valve. Some models might have it covered up. Make sure the hose is firmly attached to prevent spilling hot water near you and the water heater.
Step 3: Open a Faucet or Other Hot Water Tap
Your home’s plumbing takes advantage of pressure inside the piping to sustain a consistent flow of water from the main water line to the rest of the house. This pressure will have to be relieved before the hot water can actually exit the tank. By heading to the nearest faucet or spigot, you’ll release the pressure inside the piping. All you have to do is open the hot water tap to relieve the pressure before heading back to the water heater.
Step 4: Release the Drain Valve
Keep in mind that this water could still have some residual heat. Open the drain valve and allow all the water to drain from the tank. This should pull sediment buildup out of the tank and away from your home. But some buildup may be stuck to the inside of the tank. Turning the cold water supply back on will help flush stubborn minerals and other substances from the tank.
Repeat this step until the water looks free of sediment or minerals. If the drain isn’t working because of a clog, a trained plumber may be required.
Step 5: Re-Shut the Valve Before Refilling the Water Heater
If everything proceeds normally, you should be able to clear out most excess sediment stuck inside your water heater. Seal up the drain valve, disconnect the hose and open the water supply to get things flowing again. As the water heater tank starts to fill, return to the hot water tap you opened. Once cold water starts to flow, you know the pressure is back at appropriate levels.
At this point, you can open the gas valve or flip the breaker switch back on. Like we mentioned before, don’t forget that certain models may need to be completely full before the water can be safely heated. Make sure you look through your manufacturer’s instructions before starting the process.
Keep Your Water Heater Sediment-Free for Best Results
Tank water heaters continue to be a great option for supplying your hot water needs. Draining the tank every 1-2 years will help flush sediment buildup and keep things running at maximum efficiency. If you think your water heater is past the point of efficient heating, consider looking for
water heater replacement in Edmonton from a technician you trust.