How do I flush my water heater?
By Bob Millaway, South Jersey Community Expert & REALTOR®
Turn off the water heater and let it cool for a few hours. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom and run the other end to a floor drain or outside. Open the pressure relief valve and then open the drain valve. Let the water run until it clears of sediment. Close the drain valve, remove the hose, turn the water back on, and let the tank fill before restoring power or gas.
Why It Matters
Annual flushing removes sediment that reduces efficiency, shortens the water heater's lifespan, and causes noisy operation. It is the most important maintenance task for your water heater.
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