How to Drain Your Water Heater
There are numerous signs to watch for when trying to decide whether or not it’s time to drain the water heater. One of the first signs to watch for is restricted water flow in faucets. There may appear to be far less hot water available.
Your home water heater can also become stressed, which may result in strange noises and sounds.
It isn’t uncommon for flooding or leaking to occur as a result. Experts recommend routine draining to prolong the life of the water heater.
How Often Should You Drain a Water Heater?
The recommended timeframe for draining a water heater is between 12 and 18 months. This is because it takes very little time for sediment to accumulate in water tanks.
Doing this annually can reduce energy costs as well as protect the unit from any potential damage. A professional can service the heater on an annual basis and replace any failing parts.
What are the Steps for Draining Water?
The most important step to draining a water heater is to off all water supply. This should be done for safety reasons. After this is done, a garden hose should be attached the drain valve located at the bottom of the tank. The pressure relief valve should be opened to empty out the water.
It’s usually a good idea to leave the relief valve open to thoroughly remove all of the water. Now that the relief valve is emptied out, it can be refilled again. The power supply can be cut on again after these steps are performed.
Where Does the Sediment Go?
The sediment continues to build up in the water heater until it is drained. This causes an enormous amount of pressure to build. Over time, this can lead to clogged toilets, inlet valves, and faucets. If it remains in the tank, it acts like a barrier, restricting the amount of available water that can be stored in the unit.
Either way, the unit is affected and can become damaged as a result or the internal plumbing suffers because of the stress the sediment has caused. While some sediment is to be expected, long periods of time without doing this poses safety risks, increases energy costs, and leads to frequent repairs.
Most homeowners do not recognize the hidden energy costs associated with not draining the unit regularly. In areas where the water is hard, residents will see higher levels of unwanted minerals and chemicals in their water supply.
It is important to have the water heater drained every year by a professional to ensure that the system is flushed thoroughly and operating at its most efficient rate.
Give Nixco Plumbing a call today at (513) 398-5907, to get your water heater flushed properly in your home.