Hot Water Heater Maintenance Flush

A sediment trap or softener can help with hard water to a point.

Hot water heater maintenance flush.

To flush your hot water tank simply turn on the cold water spigot leading into your hot water tank. Flushing your hot water heater could be necessary as often as every few months depending on the mineral content of your local water supply. However the hardness of your water plays a part in this and you may find it better to flush two to three times per year if your home s water is especially poor quality. Shut off the gas or electricity to the water heater and open a hot water faucet and let it run full blast for about 10 minutes to reduce the water temperature in the tank.

Remove the temperature pressure release valve and screw in the vacuum adapter. This may take a bit. Then turn on a hot water faucet in one of your sinks or tubs to prevent a vacuum from forming in the lines. Let it run for a few minutes until the water exiting your hose runs clear.

Before you begin a water heater flush. Next rotate the water shut off valve on your heater clockwise to turn off the cold water supply. Most homeowners should flush their water heaters every six months or so but if you have extremely hard water you may want to do it more often. As a general rule your tankless water heater should be flushed once per year to maintain efficiency.