Everyone wants to save money in the long run, especially when it comes to their greatest investment, their home. When it comes to replacing the water heater, the price will tank your savings and drain the smile from your face. Sediment can build up in the water heater tank, creating a nasty barrier between the water and the heating elements, making the system work harder to heat your home’s water.

Increase the lifespan of your water heater and help it run more efficiently by flushing your water heater at least every three years. The process is so easy, you could add it to your yearly appliance maintenance checklist. With a protection plan from Freedom Home Warranty, your water heater is covered as long as you maintain your appliance. Don’t chance ruining your tank, follow this easy guide and ensure your water is hot and your home is happy.
- Turn Your Water Heater OFF/PILOT
Depending on if your water heater is electric or gas, you will be turning off the heat source, electricity or gas, so the water can cool down. Make sure no one is trying to shower or run a load of laundry while you flush out the sediment. NOTE: You may need to relight your pilot light once all the steps are done.
- Turn Off the Cold Water Valve to Stop Supply of Water
Cold water is brought into the water heater and heated. Once this valve is turned off, the tank won’t continuously fill with water while your trying to drain it. The cold water valve is usually located near the top of the water heater with a blue knob.
- Turn on the Hot Water in a Sink or Tub and Let it Drain
While you wait for the water in the tank to cool for a couple hours, turn on a sink or tub hot water and leave it running during the entire process. Not a lot of water will continue to come out, but it will prevent a vacuum from forming within your pipes while you drain the tank.
- Attach a Hose and Let it Drain
Connect a house that either leads outside or into a large bucket and turn the drainage spigot on slowly, checking for leaks. Drain the tank until the water runs clear and there is no more brown water or sediment.
- Final Flush
With the hose still connected and poised over the bucket or leading outside, turn the cold water valve back on and let it run for a few minutes until the water coming from the hose is clear. Continue to flush out the tank until there is little to no sediment in your water.
Finish The Job
Be sure to turn off the drainage valve and disconnect the hose. Turn on the cold water valve leading to the water heater and when the tank is full, open up the pressure relief valve to let out excess air from the tank. Turn off the sink or tub hot water and turn back on the power or gas to the water heater. Relight the pilot light and then wait about 20 minutes for the water to heat up. Test out your handiwork by turning back on the hot water in a sink or tub to ensure hot water is coming out.