Why & How to Drain Your Water Heater
You probably don’t think about your water heater very often, but when something goes wrong, it suddenly grabs your attention. By draining your water heater once a year, you can prevent problems and enjoy ample hot water for years to come.
Why Drain Your Water Heater?
The purpose of draining a water heater is to flush out the mineral deposits that collect at the base of the tank. This has two positive outcomes:
- Better heat transfer: A burner or electric coils are responsible for heating the water. With less sediment insulating the bottom of the tank, this heat transfer is more efficient, which lowers fuel consumption as well as your energy bills.
- Less corrosion: Sediment buildup has a corrosive effect on the tank. Draining it once a year extends the equipment’s lifespan, saving you money on premature replacement costs.
How to Drain Your Water Heater
- Turn off the gas valve or electric power (depending on the fuel source) and let the water cool down.
- Shut off the water inlet valve and attach a hose to the drain valve at the base of the tank. Position the hose to drain into a large bucket, floor drain, or outside.
- Turn on one or more hot water faucets in your home to let air enter the tank. Then, open the drain valve.
- With the tank fully drained, turn the water inlet valve on and off in short bursts to help dislodge any sediment.
- Once the water draining out of the tank runs clear, close the drain valve, open the water inlet valve, and turn the gas or electricity back on. (If applicable, relight the pilot.)
- While you’re at it, test the pressure-relief valve, which is what keeps the tank from building up too much pressure. Simply open the valve slightly, and if water drips from the overflow pipe, you know the pressure-relief valve is working correctly. If nothing happens when you open the valve, replace it.
Schedule Water Heater Services in New Jersey
Many people only maintain their air conditioner and furnace, but you should also make annual water heater maintenance a priority. A technician can flush your system and perform other important tasks as well.
For more information about maintaining your water heater, please contact Arctic Air Conditioning today. We install, repair, maintain, and replace all types of water heaters, including tankless models. Give us a call at 732-518-8215 to learn more!
