How to Drain and Wash Your Water Heaters

Taking into consideration the chilly climate of Canada, it is extremely important for homeowners to have their water heaters in best working conditions all the time. It is important to get your storage heater tanks washed at least once a year if you don’t want them to give up on you when you need them the most. With time, a lot of calcium deposits and other unwanted sediments settle at the bottom of your water heater, which leads to clogging or loss of heating power. You can hire a good plumbing service provider for systematic cleaning of your water heaters or do it yourself. The steps are very simple to follow.

Step 01: Turn Your Water Heater Off

Whether you have an electric water heater or a gas water heater, it is important to turn it off before beginning your washing process. In case of a gas water heater, you need to turn the thermostat to pilot setting. This allows the water to cool down and gets your heater ready to undergo this maintenance or cleaning process.

Step 02: Turn Off the Cold Water Valve

The cold water valve needs to be turned off so the water flow force stops. Cold water valve is turned on to displace the hot water. If you don’t want to waste excess water while washing your water heater, it is best to turn off the cold water valve.

Step 03: Attach a Hose to the Drain Valve

Let the water inside the heater cool down for about two hours before draining it off. When you think the water is cool enough, attach a hose on the drain valve opening. Be sure if it has been attached perfectly or it could cause leakages. Place a heat-proof bucket on the other end of the hose or wherever the water is safe to be drained.

Step 04: Turn On the Faucets and the Drain Valve

Turn on one or more faucets to hot mode in order to release vacuum from the pipes. The faucets won’t release a lot of water since the cold water valve is turned off. Turn on the drain valve. You’ll need a screwdriver to turn on the drain valve. Keep the water flowing until it comes out all clear and free of all the sediments.

Step 05: Turn On Everything

Once the sediments and the waste is all flushed out, turn on the thermostat in case of gas heaters. Turn on the cold water valve and the heater switch.
These steps are very easy to follow. However, you might not have all the time in the world to actually do all the cleaning. This doesn’t have to mean that you can never get your water heaters cleaned. Hire 24 Hour Plumbing Heating for the best water heater cleaning or any plumbing services at any time of the day. Give us a call and we will be there at your service.