Annual Water Heater Maintenance: Why and how to Flush your Water

Flushing your water heater once a year can be a good idea for several reasons. Over time, sediment and minerals can accumulate at the bottom of your water heater tank. Flushing your water heater can help remove this buildup and prevent it from causing problems such as:

1. Improved Efficiency: As sediment and minerals accumulate in the tank, it can reduce the amount of space available for hot water. This can result in your water heater working harder and using more energy to heat the same amount of water. Flushing your water heater can help restore its efficiency and reduce your energy bills.
2. Extend Lifespan: The buildup of sediment can also cause damage to the tank itself, leading to leaks and other problems. By flushing your water heater regularly, you can help extend its lifespan and prevent costly repairs.
3. Improved Water Quality: Over time, sediment and minerals can also affect the quality of your hot water. Flushing your water heater can help remove these impurities and improve the taste and smell of your water.

Flushing a water heater that is located in the attic of your home can be challenging, but it is still possible. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Turn off the power supply or gas supply to the water heater: Before starting any work on your water heater, make sure to turn off the power supply or gas supply to the unit. If your water heater is electric, locate the circuit breaker that powers the water heater and turn it off. If your water heater is gas-powered, turn the gas valve to the “off” position.
2. Turn off the cold water supply valve that is connected to the water heater: Locate the cold water supply valve that is connected to the water heater and turn it off. This will prevent water from entering the tank while you are flushing it.
3. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve located at the bottom of the water heater: Locate the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater and attach a garden hose to it. Make sure that the other end of the hose is directed towards a suitable drain or outside your home.
4. Run the other end of the hose to a suitable drain or outside your home: Make sure the other end of the hose is securely attached to a drain or located outside your home where the water can safely drain away. This will prevent water damage or flooding.
5. Open the drain valve and allow the water to drain from the water heater: Open the drain valve by turning it counterclockwise with a wrench. Allow the water to drain completely from the tank. This may take several minutes.
6. Once the water has drained completely, turn on the cold water supply valve: Turn on the cold water supply valve that is connected to the water heater. This will allow water to flow into the tank and help flush out any remaining sediment.
7. Let the water run for a few minutes: Allow the water to run through the tank and out the drain valve for a few minutes. This will help flush out any remaining sediment.
8. Close the drain valve and remove the garden hose: Once you are satisfied that the water has been thoroughly flushed through the tank, close the drain valve by turning it clockwise with a wrench. Remove the garden hose from the drain valve.
9. Turn on the power supply or gas supply to the water heater: Turn on the power supply or gas supply to the water heater. If your water heater is electric, turn on the circuit breaker that powers the unit. If your water heater is gas-powered, turn the gas valve to the “on” position.
10. Verify that the water heater is working properly: After flushing the water heater, turn on a hot water faucet in your home and make sure that the water is flowing freely and is hot. If you notice any issues, such as low water pressure or no hot water, contact a licensed plumber for assistance.

That’s it! Flushing your water heater regularly can help prolong its life and improve its efficiency, and following these steps should help you do so safely and effectively, even if your water heater is located in the attic of your home.