A functioning heating and hot water system can be the difference between a cozy family holiday and a catastrophe. Fortunately, Big Blue Plumbing is here to help with your hot water needs.
Water heaters should be flushed periodically to ensure proper operation (a.k.a. everyone gets a hot shower!). If you’re experiencing problems with your water heater, it may need to be flushed.
Below is a basic outline on how to flush a water heater, but with every home maintenance project: please put safety first. We are the professionals and we genuinely love this stuff. If you need your water heater flushed and aren’t the DIY-type, just give us a call. Plus, this month we’re offering a discounted price for a full hot water system flush and a free system evaluation. View our specials.
HOW TO FLUSH A WATER HEATER
STEP 1. Turn off the electricity to the water heater or turn off the gas to extinguish the pilot. Shut off the cold-water inlet to the water heater.
STEP 2. Connect a garden hose to the tank’s drain valve. Note: very hot water will come out of the tank. It’s important you place the other end of the hose in an area that won’t be affected.
STEP 3. With the pressure relief valve open, open the drain valve and allow the tank to drain completely. Completely draining the tank ensures you’ve removed all of the possible sediment. Note: Older plastic bibs have a tendency to clog and sometimes do not shut off properly after flushing.
STEP 4. Close the tank drain valve, disconnect the hose from the valve and close the pressure relief valve. Open all the hot-water spigots in your house, and turn on the cold-water inlet to the tank.
STEP 5. Close each hot-water spigot as water begins to flow from it. After all the spigots are closed, turn on the electricity to the water heater or turn the gas switch to run.