Regular maintenance of your water heater can extend its lifespan and improve its efficiency. Draining the water heater is one of the simplest yet important things to do, while removing sediment buildup. Not only is this extremely easy, but it can also lead to savings on energy bills and avoid significant damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide on proper draining of how to drain a water heater and puddle heater in the correct manner.
Why Should You Drain a Water Heater?
To drain a water heater is the one of the most important things that one needs to do to ensure that it works right and lasts for a long time. Over a period of time, sediment, minerals, and unwanted particles from the water supply set at the bottom of the heater. Subsequently, that is the one that may create the barrier between the heating element and the water thus. Furthermore, because this layer of particles is where the corrosive kinfolk will be attached, the heater will have to work harder to pressurize, spending more energy than is required. This corrosion will difficulty the life of the water heater by causing the tank to develop leaks. The sediment layer builds up in the tank, which over time causes the water heater to degrade and releases the water. Continual maintenance is way to reduce energy bills and grow a heat water system.
- Heating efficiency is reduced
- Energy bills escalate
- Tank Finding Damage
- The Water Heater’s longevity is reduced
One of the simplest yet important steps to ensure no deposits sparks on the water heater is to remove it at least once a year.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need:
- Garden hose
- Bucket (if needed)
- Screwdriver (if necessary for getting to the components)
- Gloves (for your protection)
Step 1: Turn Off the Power or Gas Supply
- Be sure to power off the water heater safety switch and prevent the power supply from re-energizing the circuit. Also disconnect the bonding and grounding circuits before operating the heater.
- Electric heaters: Break the circuit in the household electrical panel.
- Gas heaters: First, for the thermostat, set the dial to “pilot” or “off.”
Step 2: Shut Off the Cold Water Supply
Typically, at the top, there is a cold water supply valve on your water heater.
Turning off the water supply will prevent the tank from being filled, so the draining process will proceed properly.
Step 3: Attach a Hose to the Drain Valve
Fix a garden hose to the drain opening. Also, ensure that the other end of the hose goes outside the house, for example, onto the floor or the area around the house but it has to be safe.
Step 4: Turn the valve on the drain open.
Open the drain valve carefully so the water moves out of the tank. Be careful since it might still be hot; wear gloves to avoid getting burned.
Step 5: Flush the Tank
- First, when the tank is empty, run the cold water supply for a short period of time to flush any residue out. Let the water run until the water runs clear, and then turn off the cold water supply again.
Step 6: Close the Drain and Refill the Tank
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Turn off the drain control and remove the hose from it to verify it is turned off.
To refill the tank, turn the cold water supply back on. Use your home’s hot water faucet to clear any trapped air.
Step 7: Restore the Electrical or Gas Supply
- The last step is to power the power or gas supply back on:
- On the electric heaters: Push the breaker back to the ON position.
For gas heaters: Set your thermostat at a temperature you are comfortable with.
Additional Tips for Water Heater Maintenance
- Drain your water heater yearly or more if you dwell in an area with hard water.
- Inspect the anode rod every few years to refrain from corrosion.
- Think about getting a water softener to sort out various issues like mineral buildup.
Through these measures, you may persist with your water heater’s efficiency and shrink its costs on energy. The lack of accidents related to malfunction of hardware as well as the promptness of availability.
