Flushing your water heater removes sediment build-up that destroys efficiency and tanks. This annual task extends the life of your unit by years and restores its heating speed.
Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank insulates the water from the heating element, forcing it to work harder and increasing energy bills. Left unchecked, it can cause the tank to rust and rupture.
Turn off the breaker for an electric heater, or set a gas heater to Pilot. Close the cold-water supply. Never drain a tank while the heating element or burner can still fire.
Attach a hose to the drain valve, open a hot faucet to let air in, and drain into a bucket. Briefly open the cold-water valve to stir sediment, then keep draining.
Catch the drain water in a white bucket. Stop when it runs clear, without sand or rust. Close the drain, refill the tank, then restore power or return the gas control to its normal setting.
Add this task to your digital maintenance schedule. Get automatic reminders, log your completion dates, and store receipts.
Add to AruHomeForgetting to turn off the heating element before draining the tank can cause the element to burn out (dry fire) almost instantly on electric models.
For an electric heater, you turn off the circuit breaker. For a gas heater, you turn the thermostat dial to the "Pilot" setting so the main burner won't ignite while the tank is empty.
Drain the first few gallons into a white 5-gallon bucket. Once the water draining into the bucket runs completely clear without sand or rust particles, the flushing is done.
Want automated reminders for this task? Get the full experience.
Download AruHomeKeep your inventory, maintenance, warranties and records organized in one place.
Get AruHome on Google PlayThis page is the checklist. Read the full explanation for when to do the job and when to call a pro.