Have you had a plumber check the efficiency of your water heater yet this winter? Ideally, a water heater should be inspected once a year, primarily during the winter season during the cold weather when the equipment tends to work its hardest. Sediment can buildup, which impedes the heat transfer in the machine and can lower the efficiency of the entire water heater. Sediment buildup can be flushed out and removed by draining the water heater on an annual basis. Below are the steps:
- On a gas water heater, turn the gas valve to the off position. On an electric water heater, turn the electric off to the heater.
- Shut the cold water off to the water heater.
- Open a hot water faucet.
- Connect a hose to the drain valve on the heater and run to a drain.
- Open the drain valve and allow the tank to completely drain.
- Turn back on the cold water into the water heater.
- Allow the water to run through the water heater and out of the drain valve. Do this for approximately five (5) or ten (10) minutes.
- Close the drain valve and allow the tank to refill, keeping the hot water faucet open. When water comes out of the faucet, the tank is full.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a water heater inspection, please call us at (775) 828-4193
Tags: draining your water heater, homeowner tip, homeowner's tip, plumbing, plumbing tip, water heater, water heater drain
