How to Clean Out Your Hot Water Tank: A Step-by-Step Guide
Maintaining your hot water tank is essential to ensure it operates efficiently and lasts as long as possible. Over time, sediment can build up, leading to common problems such as odors, loss of pressure, and blocked pipes. Regularly flushing your tank can prevent these issues and keep your water heater in optimal condition. We’ve prepared a simple guide on how to clean out your hot water tank.
Why Should You Flush Your Hot Water Tank?
Sediment naturally accumulates in your hot water tank over time, particularly in areas with hard water. If left unchecked, this buildup can cause several issues:
- Decreased efficiency: Sediment acts as a barrier between the heating element and the water, making your heater work harder.
- Strange odors: Sediment can cause unpleasant smells in your hot water.
- Loss of water pressure: Blockages from sediment can reduce water flow.
- Risk of leaks: Buildup can eventually lead to corrosion and leaks in your tank.
Flushing your tank regularly, at least once a year, helps mitigate these issues and prolongs the life of your hot water system.
What You’ll Need:
- A garden hose
- Patience (it may take about an hour)
- Basic knowledge of your hot water tank, every tank is different, please refer to your tanks manual for specific instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions to Flush Your Hot Water Tank
- Turn Off the Heater Control and Water Supply
Start by turning off the power or gas supply to your tank.- For electric heaters, switch off the power at the breaker.
- For gas heaters, turn the gas valve to the “pilot” position or the lowest temperature setting. After this, close the water supply valve to the tank to stop any incoming water.
- Attach a Garden Hose
Locate the drain valve near the bottom of the tank and attach a garden hose. Direct the other end of the hose to a floor drain to safely carry away the water. - Drain the Tank
Open the drain valve slowly. Be careful, as the water inside the tank may be hot. Turning on the hot water taps throughout your home will allow air into the system, helping water flow more smoothly out of the tank. Depending on the size of your tank, this process can take anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes. - Flush the Remaining Sediment
Once the tank has drained completely, briefly open the water supply valve to allow a small amount of water back into the tank. This water will stir up any remaining sediment. Repeat this step three to four times or until the water coming out of the hose is clear. - Close the Drain and Refill the Tank
When the water is running clear, close the drain valve and remove the garden hose. Now, reopen the water supply valve to refill the tank. When water starts flowing from the hot water taps you left open earlier, you can close them. - Check for Leaks
Before wrapping up, check the drain valve for leaks. If you notice any, open and close the valve a few times, as sediment may be blocking the seal. - Turn the Heater Back On
Once you’re sure there are no leaks, turn the heater control back on:- For electric heaters, switch the power back on.
- For gas heaters, return the gas valve to its original setting.
To maintain the efficiency of your hot water tank, we recommend flushing the tank annually. This simple maintenance task can save you from costly repairs and help keep your water heater running smoothly.
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