Keep Up With Water Heater Upkeep

Let's face it. Tank-style water heaters require very little maintenance. Technically, you can just put 'em in and forget about 'em for twelve or fifteen years. But if you want them to really last as long as they're designed to last - and work most efficiently while they're at it, it really does pay to do a bit of simple upkeep.

And when it comes to water heater maintenance, sediment is the thing. Sediment builds up over time in water heater tanks. It just does. If it builds up too much it can make your water heater less efficient. If left too long, it decrease the life span of the tank.

But you can periodically get rid of accumulated sediment by draining your water heater and flushing the sediment out of the tank - and the good news is this maintenance job is something you can do yourself.

A once-a-year 'drain & flush' will maximize a water heater's lifespan and keep it operating at its best. All you need is a garden hose to attach to the tank to drain the water away. Then just follow these simple steps:

1. Shut off the heating element for the tank. If you have an electric water heater, turn off the breaker at the main panel. If it's a gas heater, turn the thermostat to the "pilot" setting.



2. Turn off the water supply to your tank. Most likely there is a shut-off right at the tank (on a copper pipe running into the top of the tank), but you may need to turn off the main water supply to your house.



3. Attach a garden hose to the bottom drain valve on your water tank and run the hose to a drain or out a door.



4. Turn on a hot water faucet in your home to ensure a vacuum doesn't form in the lines.



5. Return to the tank and open the drain valve near the bottom of the tank. (**The valve on the side of the tank, near the top, is a pressure relief valve. Leave it alone.



6. Check the color of the water coming out of the tank. At first it will likely be rusty or dark - that's the sediment you want flushed from the tank. After a few gallons have drained, the water should begin to run clear.



7. Once the water runs clear, close the drain valve on the tank then turn off the hot water tap in your home. (Really, remember to shut that hot water tap off or you'll be refilling the water heater for a long long time.)



8. Turn the cold water supply back on to the tank and allow it to fill.



9. Turn the power or the gas supply back on to the water heater once the tank has filled with water.

If you do decide to drain your own water heater, remember the water is definitely hot enough to scald you. Be careful, watch your eyes, and wear gloves for protection.

Also, it's a good idea to read the manufacturer's instructions and warnings on your tank before you begin. Water tanks vary, and on some it's possible for the heating element to burn out if there is no water in the tank.

So pretty simple. Of course if it does seem a bit intimidating - or you just don't have the time - it is something Boden Plumbing can take care of for you. Just give us a call.

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This is information we've posted here before, but it bears repeating. Simple home maintenance saves money, appliances and fixtures over time.