Do you want to learn how to drain and flush a gas water heater? If you are confused and a little bit worried about the process, you are in the right place. Read further below, and let’s discuss what you should know about draining the water heater. So, first thing first. Is it essential for home appliances to be cleaned regularly right?
Then, you should also not miss your water heater. There are only two things why you need to clean the heaters regularly–to prolong their life and maintain their performance. To achieve both, you must know how you can drain and flush a gas water heater.
There is still an uncountable household that prefers gas-powered water heaters because electricity can go off, especially in countries that have winters when there’s heavy snow. It is why gas-powered water heaters are still in demand in this statewide.
Does Draining And Flushing Water Heater Is Hard?
Yes, you can find this job hard, especially if this is your first time. But know what? You can learn everything. If you think this is hard, cheer up. The steps below will help you determine which part you’ll start with and, of course, ensure your safety. But if you are a person who quickly gets confused about things, you can also call a professional to help you and explain the other important details. On the other hand, if you are ready to jump through the steps, let’s get started and learn how to drain and flush a gas water heater!
Steps To Drain And Flush A Gas Water Heater
Cleaning your water heater means you have to drain and flush out the water inside the tank. Most gas-powered water heaters have tanks and sediments that grow inside the tank over time which is why you should clean tanks regularly. The residues can affect the performance of the water heater, and the main reason why the heater takes more time than it’s usual, which also increases the gas usage. To maintain your water heating, you must learn how to drain and flush your water heater.
Step #1. Turn off the water and gas supply
To start, turn off the water supply that goes into your water heater. If you’ve installed a water valve, turn it off. After you turn off the water supply, shut down the gas source. Gas usually has a diaphragm or linear valves. If you cannot locate the gas valves that allow you to cut off the supply, go to your tank and follow the pipe into your water heater. After finding it, please turn it off and check for any gas leakage. If there is no gas-smelled in the air, you’re good to go. On the other hand, there are clues to determine gas leakage through its smell. So, if you smell gas, you must check where it locates and fix it correctly. It may be helpful to read about how to find your gas shut-off valve.
Step #2. Turn off the power on the water heater
It does not necessarily mean that you won’t need to turn off your water heater after shutting off the gas supply. You have after you shut off the gas supply to, I mean, you need to turn off the water heater after turning off the supply. Go towards your water heater, locate the main valve, and turn the knob into “off.” If your water heater is still warm, please let it cool first. Do not attempt to drain the water out of the tank by using hoses.
Step #3. Attach the hose
If you have a garden or a pressure washer hose, you can use this hose as a passageway of the excess water left inside the tank. Before flushing it, you must drain it to the drain valve. The drain valve is at the bottom, and if you are confused about valves, you can check your manual to identify the drain valve quicker. After you attach the hose into it, get a 5-gallon bucket and put the other end of the hose inside the bucket. Locate the nearest hot water faucet and turn it on. Opening the hot water faucet also relieves the pressure, so you can also let the water go through it.
After thoroughly draining the water out of the tank, you can refill it with new water or flush it. So, if you choose to skip the flushing, for now, you can fill the tank and turn on the gas supply, and light up your water heater. But, if you choose to flush it after draining, you can proceed to the next step. Flushing your water tank will help you clean your water heater. You will fill the tank and flush it out repeatedly until you’re satisfied with the flushed-out waters.
Step #4. Flushing water heater
There are two ways to flush a water heater by using undiluted vinegar or just plain water. After you drain the water, please turn on the water supply and flush it out through the drain valve. If you want to flush out the water heater with undiluted vinegar, you will need at least 3 to 4 gallons of vinegar. This process might take a little while, as you need to leave the vinegar inside the tank for five to four hours. After draining the water in the tank, close the drainage valve, locate the anode rod and pour the gallons of vinegar. Let the vinegar sit, then flush it with water until there’s no trace of vinegar.
It’s A Wrap!
Now that you know how to drain and flush a gas water heater, you will maintain your water heater. Flushing and draining are essential things you should know if you have this type of heater at home. You wouldn’t need to call a professional for help or wait for hours to get into your residence, as you already know what to do. You may also want to read about how to adjust temperature on hot water heater and how to call for water heater repair.