Do you think about your home’s water heater only when it’s time to schedule service? If so, take the time to learn how to perform some simple maintenance in between service calls. Read through the steps below and also consult the instructions that came with your water heater.
Then, if you have questions about any of these steps or if you need assistance with plumbing in Colorado Springs, call the knowledgeable team of professionals at BullsEye Plumbing Heating & Air at 719-243-1353.
Draining Your Water Heater: While water is pumped into your water heater tank, dirt, sediment and other minerals collect on the tank’s bottom. This may make your water heater less efficient and cost you more money overall. Not checking for these elements may cause your tank’s heater to rust until it gradually becomes eaten away. However, this is avoidable and inexpensive to prevent.
Check to see if it is gas or electric: After locating your water heater, read the tank’s warnings or labels to determine if it is gas or electric. Understand how to turn off the gas or electricity before proceeding.
Find the water shut off valve, pressure release valve and water drain: Look on the top of the water heater for the water shut off valve.
You should also find the pressure release valve along the top. Look for piping extending from the water heater and into the wall. This piping will continue through to the wall’s other side.
The water drain is on the heater’s bottom, typically in the form of a basic spout, and will have threads so that you can attach a hose.
Power off the heating source and assemble your supplies: Turn off the gas to the water heater (if gas) or turn off the circuit breaker (if electric).
Gather a hose, bucket and gloves.
Turn off the water and attach the hose: Make sure the water to the water heater is turned off. Connect the hose to the water drain.
Adjust the water drain and pressure release valve: Turn on the water drain, which will release the water from the tank. The water will drain from the hose before coming to a gradual stop. Open the pressure release valve, allowing air into the tank.
Dirty water is to be expected—it is this dirt and sediment that have found their way to your water heater that you want to remove.
Allow about 10-30 minutes for the water to drain.
Turn on the water: Turn off the water drain and take the hose away. Place the bucket beneath it. Keeping the pressure valve on, turn on the water to the tank, as well as the water drain, so that the remaining sediment will flow out. Let a few gallons of water drain and observe this water to be sure it is clear. If so, you can refill the tank.
Refill the tank: Close the pressure release valve. Turn on the water so that the tank will fill. Once full, turn on the gas or circuit breaker.
You’ve now drained your water heater, which will help keep it running smoothly! To learn more about other maintenance tasks or to schedule a service call for plumbing in Colorado Springs, contact BullsEye Plumbing Heating & Air today!
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