Why Water Heaters Should Be Drained Regularly

On most days, it’s easy to ignore your water heater and take it for granted. But when it starts acting up and giving you chilly showers, it’s definitely a hassle that you can’t disregard. That said, make sure to care for your water heater properly and give it the care and maintenance it needs. One way of keeping your water heater in good condition is by draining it regularly.

Here Bill Reynolds Heating & Air Conditioning, a trusted HVAC and indoor air quality expert, discusses the signs that you need to drain your water heater. We also share some tips on how to do it properly. 

Signs That Your Water Heater Needs to Be Drained

Over time, the bottom of your water heater gets filled with sediment buildup, which can clog the equipment and cause it to malfunction. You need to flush out this sediment in order to avoid such problems and continue using your water heater without issues. 

Below are some of the signs that will tell you it’s time to drain your water heater:

• You’re running out of hot water more quickly
• You notice orange, rusty-looking water
• Your water heater makes more noise than usual
• Your water heater is leaking

Steps for Draining Your Water Heater

HVAC maintenance experts recommend taking the following steps when draining your water heater:

1. Shut off the water supply to your water heater. The shutoff valve can usually be found at the top of the water heater.
2. Turn off the power to your water heater. For electric water heaters, the power can typically be shut off from your home’s electrical panel. Gas water heaters, on the other hand, can be turned off through the water heater’s thermostat or by shutting off the gas supply to the heater.
3. Wait for the water to cool before draining it. This is best done overnight.
4. Attach a hose to the drain valve and place one end of the hose into a floor drain or directly outside.
5. Turn on your hot water tap, then open the drain valve so that water can flow out of the tank.
6. Turn the water supply back on so that you can flush the tank with fresh, clean water. You may have to repeat this step until the water is clear. 
7. Turn the water valve off again and remove the hose from the drain valve. Make sure to close the valve before refilling the tank.

At Bill Reynolds Heating & Air Conditioning, we ensure the highest level of quality for every job we take on. Whether the task is duct cleaning or heating repair, you can expect excellent results from our crew. Call us at (440) 946-7863 or fill out our contact form to request a quote.