Keeping up with the home maintenance checklist is incredibly important to prolong the lifespan of major appliances. Whether they are performing annual service checks or replacing filters, it’s imperative to get the job done on time and using the proper technique. This is especially true when it comes to maintaining the hot water heater.
Water heater maintenance is important for keeping the unit running efficiently and for the safety of the household. Draining the water heater helps remove mineral deposits and sediment that can build up inside the water heater tank.
Steps for draining a tank water heater
While draining the water heater might sound like a daunting task, it is actually relatively straightforward as long as you follow the appropriate steps. Here’s a quick how-to.
- First, turn off the cold water supply to the hot water heater. This is incredibly important, as they do not want any additional water flowing into the water heater while they are attempting to drain the tank.
- Grab a bucket and hose. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve on the water heater tank and place the bucket at the other end of the hose. If possible, they could also run the hose outdoors to drain the water, but be sure they are draining the water far enough from the foundation of the home to prevent any flooding or water damage.
- Open the drain valve and run the water until no sediment is visible. This will likely take a while, so be patient. Depending on how often they drain the water tank, users' will need to drain roughly ⅓ of the tank before the water runs clear.
Safety first
Be careful while draining the water heater tank, as the water from inside the tank will likely be very hot. Users do not want to risk scalds or serious burns while performing this home maintenance item. A tank water heater that is not maintained properly is more likely to break or leak, which can result in serious bodily harm and potential property damage. They recommend performing maintenance on the water heater annually, including draining the water heater to keep it running as efficiently as possible.
If they’re unsure about how to properly drain the water heater, bring in the experts at Pratt Plumbing. Their licensed plumbers come in handy for Connecticut homeowners and give the additional peace of mind that the honey-do” plumbing checklist is properly taken care of.