Water Heater Maintenance Kennesaw, GA

How to Drain and Flush a Water Heater in Kennesaw Yourself

Draining or flushing your water heater can be a simple process if you follow these easy steps:

1. Turn Off the Power and Water Supply: If you have an electric water heater, switch off the power at the circuit breaker. For gas heaters, turn the gas valve to the “pilot” setting. Then, turn off the cold water supply valve at the top of the water heater.
2. Attach a Hose to the Drain Valve: Connect a garden hose to the drain valve located at the bottom of the water heater. Run the other end of the hose to a floor drain or outside to safely drain the water.
3. Open the Drain Valve and Pressure Relief Valve: Open the drain valve to let the water start flowing out through the hose. To speed up the process, open the pressure relief valve at the top of the tank or turn on a hot water faucet in your home. This will allow air into the tank and help the water drain faster.
4. Flush the Tank: Once the tank is empty, you can flush it by turning on the cold water supply valve briefly, allowing water to run through the tank and out the drain hose. Do this a few times until the water runs clear, which indicates that any sediment buildup has been removed.
5. Close Valves and Refill the Tank: Close the drain valve and the pressure relief valve. Disconnect the hose. Turn the cold water supply back on to fill the tank. Once the tank is full, turn the power back on for electric heaters or return the gas valve to its original setting for gas heaters. Finally, check for any leaks and ensure the water heater is operating correctly.

By following these steps, you can keep your water heater running efficiently and prolong its lifespan. Note that this doesn’t include other essential maintenance, like changing your anode rod. You may want to call a professional to do that!