Most
water heater manufacturers recommend draining & flushing your
water heater tank once per year or every 6 months in hard water
areas. This helps remove sediment and minerals that collect on the
bottom of the tank.
This
sediment "sludge" can cause a few problems like discoloration
of your hot water and a reduction of the efficiency of your heater.
The sediment can also react with the chlorine in the water to produce
an unhealthy hot water supply.
So,
draining your hot water heater tan on a regular basis can save money
and improve health.
The
steps to drain and flush the tank apply to both electric and gas
hot water heaters:
1)
Turn off the water supply to the heater.
2) Turn off the power to the heater at the main service entrance
(circuit breaker or fuse box)/ Turn off the gas at the main supply
line.
3) Place a water bucket or attach a garden hose (if a floor drain
is available) to the drain valve of the heater which is
positioned at the bottom of the heater. Run the other end of the
hose into the floor drain.
4) Turn on a hot water faucet to allow air to replace draining water.
5) Open the drain valve and drain a few gallons of water from the
heater tank. If you use a bucket to catch the water, turn off the
water at the drain valve while emptying the bucket.
6) Close the drain valve and turn on the water supply while leaving
a hot water faucet open. When water starts coming out of the faucet,
the tank is full.
7) Repeat, as necessary, until water runs clear.
8) Turn on power/gas supply.
If
your hot water heater is old, it might be best not to drain it as
this might cause problems with leaking at the drain spigot.
If
sediment is a serious problem, then the only way to completely rid
yourself of this is to install a whole-house water filter.
:-)