Without your water heater, you wouldn’t have the luxury of having a hot shower at your fingertips. You also wouldn’t be able to cook and clean with warm water. It’s crucial to give your water heater the proper TLC to achieve these goals. As a result, you’ll need to drain it regularly for it to function.
Raptor Rooter & Plumbing strives to keep your plumbing system operating efficiently. With over 20 years of experience, you can count on our local business to keep your home in excellent condition. Read ahead to learn the importance of draining your water heater and how to do it yourself.
When To Perform A Water Heater Flush
Your heating system works hard to provide your home with hot water. Over time, the unit will fill with different sediments, such as limestone, calcium carbonate and magnesium. The buildup can create a barrier between the water and the heating element, preventing it from reaching desired temperatures. Your unit could also experience leaks.
The machinery should be flushed regularly — at least once per year. The process should be part of your annual water heater maintenance routine. It will keep the unit in good condition, allowing you to have hot water whenever you want.
Steps To Drain Your Water Heater
When draining your water heater, it’s essential to make sure you do it correctly! Doing so will keep the machinery operating with efficiency. The task typically only takes an hour, helping you achieve healthy water in your home.
Step 1: Turn Off The Water Heater
Before beginning the draining process, you’ll need to shut off the power to your water heater. You can turn off the power for an electric system or shut off the gas for a traditional one. Afterward, turn off the cold-water valve on the pipe connecting to the heater.
You can double-check if the water is off by testing the faucets in your home. Water may seep from the pipes for a moment but will eventually stop. You should open one faucet in your home to alleviate pressure on the water heating system.
Step 2: Attach A Garden Hose To The Drain Valve
Attach a garden hose to the drain valve before opening it. The other end of the hose should be placed outside or in a large bucket. Your hose should be lower than the valve to allow a clear pathway for water flow.
Step 3: Open The Drain Valve
Once the hose is attached, you can open the drain valve to flush the system. Allow the fluid to drain until it turns into a clear liquid. This will indicate that the sediment has been removed from the heater.
Step 4: Reignite And Turn The Water Heater On
After the sediment removal, you can shut off your valve and remove the garden hose. Turn on the cold water supply and open the valve slowly. The opening will allow your system to ease back into its usual pressure.
Afterward, check the faucet you left on to ensure water is coming out. Once you’ve done this, you can power on your water heating system.
Simple DIY Water Heater Maintenance
DIY doesn’t only apply to craft projects. There are multiple tasks you can perform on your water heater to keep it operating effectively. In addition to draining your system, a few other maintenance activities you can do are:
- Insulate the pipes
- Check the pressure-relief valve
- Inspect the unit for strange noises
The best kind of maintenance is the preventative kind. Scheduling annual tune-ups will keep your heater in excellent condition. It will also minimize your need for repairs in the future.
Maximize Your Comfort With Water Heater Maintenance In Spokane
You don’t want to be stuck in your Spokane home without the luxury of hot water. Raptor Rooter & Plumbing is here to make sure that nightmare never comes true! You can trust our team of professionals to keep your water heater running up to your standards. Contact us to schedule your next water heater service!
