How to flush your water heater. (And if not!)

This can help keep your water heater in tip-top shape for years to come and prevent a costly disaster that requires a late night or weekend call to a local plumber.

Water heaters are one of the most important appliances in your home. It’s a big investment and most of our customers want to make sure they protect their investment for as long as possible. ‍

Annual maintenance of a water heater by flushing will extend its lifespan. This can help keep your water heater in tip-top shape for years to come and prevent a costly disaster that requires a late night or weekend call to a local plumber.

Why Should I Flush my Water Heater?

An easy DIY project, flushing your water heater removes harmful deposits that can build up at the bottom of the tank after prolonged use — and it’s a task many, many homeowners don’t even know they should be considering . Deposits can block or clog your water heater’s pressure relief valve and cause your water heater to lose efficiency. If the pressure relief valve sticks, it will no longer function as a safe pressure relief outlet and the safety of the hot water tank is compromised.

Sediment can also make your water heater less efficient by reducing its hot water output over time, making it less energy efficient and costing you money. The sediment settles at the bottom of the tank and interferes with the heating system, making it unable to heat efficiently. This is especially true if you have hard water in your home – hard water contains a higher percentage of minerals and scale, which can then become sediment in your hot water tank.

Deposits that build up in your tank. (Don’t worry! It’s not coming out of your taps.)

If neither you nor a professional have drained your water in the last five years, Water Heaters Now recommends that you do not flush it yourself. Flushing a water heater that already has a significant buildup of scale can actually lead to more problems. Excessive or large chunks of sediment can get stuck in the tank drain valve or leak out of the water heater and through the pipes in your home — neither of which is an easy fix. When the water heater has not been flushed for a long time, replacement is often required when there is no other maintenance solution. If your water heater hasn’t been flushed in a while, give us a call at (540) 501-6327 and we’ll be happy to look around and give you the best next steps to get your water heater back up and running in optimal condition.‍

If you’re ready to tackle this project yourself, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you flush your water heater.

How to Flush your Water Heater

‍Step 1: Turn off the gas or electricity‍

If you have a gas water heater, turn the gas valve to the off position. You can also shut off the gas supply to the device using the gas shut-off valve.

If your water heater is electric, turn off power to the water heater at the circuit breaker. You must turn off an electric water heater completely before flushing it or you risk burning out the heating element. ‍

Step 2: Turn off the water‍

Turn off the water supply to your water heater. This is the cold water line that goes to the top of your water heater.

It is important to wait until the water in the water heater has cooled before flushing, as it can remain hot for a long time. You can start this step at night, after everyone in your household has run out of hot water.

Step 3: Open a faucet‍

Open a hot water tap somewhere in your house. If you want to drain your water heater faster, a tub faucet will likely have the highest flow rate in your home. ‍

Step 4: Connect a hose to the drain valve‍

For this step you will need a hose that you will connect to the drain valve on your water heater. Then run the hose to a drain, either inside your home or outside. A normal garden hose will do. Make sure the hose is securely attached to the water heater drain valve to reduce the possibility of splashing when the valve is opened.

Step 5: Open the drain valve‍

After your hose is connected and positioned outdoors or at a floor drain, open your water heater’s drain valve and allow the tank to drain completely. ‍It will probably take 30-40 minutes for a 40 gallon tank water heater.

Step 6: Turn the water supply back on and rinse

To remove the accumulated agitation from the bottom of the water heater tank, you must flush the water heater with fresh water from the cold water valve. When the tank is completely empty, turn on the cold water supply at the top of the tank. Then allow the water to flow through the water heater and out of the water heater drain valve and pipe for about 5-10 minutes.

Repeat this process at least 2-3 times to remove all debris. You’ll know your water heater has been successfully flushed when the water runs clear from the end of the hose. ‍

Step 7: Fill the tank‍

After your water heater has been flushed and all deposits removed, it is time to fill it. Close the drain valve and remove the hose. Then, with the cold water source still on, allow the tank to fill. You’ll know the tank is full when water comes out of the hot water faucet you left on, even though the water won’t be hot.

Step 8: Turn the water heater back on

Once it’s full you have to turn the heating back on to get it, well… hot!

With a gas water heater, you will need to refill the gas into the water heater. Then turn the steering wheel to Pilot and click the ignition switch 2-3 times. Check the light to make sure the pilot is working. On many models, a green light will start flashing to let you know it’s working.

You may need to reset the dial to the desired thermostat setting. Consider keeping the heat setting between 120 and 130 degrees, especially if you have children at home. It should keep your water hot enough for a shower, but not so hot that the water can burn you.

If you have an electric heater, you will need to turn that circuit breaker back on to power your electric water heater. Listen for a low hum from the machine and you’ll know it’s back up and running. You should have hot water in about 45 minutes. Because you didn’t touch anything with the thermostat when you turned the unit off, it will return to the temperature you set it to before you flushed the water heater.

That’s it! Now your water heater is successfully flushed and ready to run again at maximum efficiency. By following these simple steps, you can get the most out of your water heater year after year – just make sure you include it in your maintenance schedule for next year too.

If you have any questions about performing this maintenance, call us at (540) 501-6327. Our experienced technicians are available to answer your questions.

No Hot Water at Home? Here’s what to do.

Have you switched on your morning shower only to be greeted with a spray of cold water? Are you trying to wash the dishes after dinner and encounter lukewarm soapy water? Do you have cold water from what is usually a hot water faucet?

It’s time to take a look at that water heater that most homeowners would rather ignore. 

First things first, if you smell gas, a gas leak could be the problem. Evacuate your home and call your local propane or natural gas company immediately. Do not enter the building until it has been emptied. 

If you find no gas present, you can attempt to fix the problem yourself, which will avoid a costly call to a plumber, electrician, or other professional.

How to solve your hot water supply problem. 

Would you like to fix errors yourself? First, perform a quick visual inspection to check if your water heater may have stopped working due to common reasons:

• If there is a water leak try to locate where the water is coming from, often there may be condensation or something nearby that is leaking and not the water heater itself. If you suspect it is the water heater, wrap towels around its base to check that the water is coming from inside and not outside of the towels. Knowing where the leak is coming from can help you determine if you need a new water tank. If the tank itself is leaking, your best bet is to call a service technician.
• Does water flow to the device? Make sure the water supply is on – this usually means the valve is parallel to the pipe. If it’s really cold outside, look for frozen pipes. If cold water cannot enter the device, it cannot heat it.
• Check the water heater thermostat – is it high enough? We recommend between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Make sure the water heater vent pipe leaving your home is unobstructed and disconnected. If your drain goes to the side of your home, deep snow can block the drain and cause the water heater to shut off for safety. Make sure there are no animal nests or accumulations of leaves in the way.
• Does your water heater have an error code display? If so, a search can also help you diagnose the problem.

Once the plain stuff is out and you still don’t have hot water, it’s time to dig a little deeper.

Gas boiler not working?

 Check indicator light. is it on and hot Otherwise you have to turn it back on. Instructions for your specific water heater should be placed on the water heater itself or in the access panel. You can also search for your specific model and likely find a YouTube video that shows you exactly how to relight the pilot light on your exact water heater, or follow these basic instructions to relight your pilot light.

To light a pilot light on a Gas Water Heater: 

• Remove the access panel at the bottom of the water heater.
• Get closer to your water heater and smell the gas — it smells like rotten eggs — or listen for a hissing noise that could indicate a gas leak. If everything is clear, go ahead and try turning it back on.
• Turn OFF the On/Off/Pilot switch if not already done. Allow to stand for ten minutes to eliminate any gas build-up that may have occurred while the pilot flame was extinguished. Continue after ten minutes.
• Make sure the gas supply line is open – most often this means the gas valve is parallel to the pipe. If something is wrong with the gas line, stop and call a professional immediately.
• Set the thermostat or temperature controller to the lowest setting.
• Set the On/Off/Pilot button on the water heater to PILOT and then press the button to start the gas flow. Note: Some water heaters may have a separate compression gas supply knob for this step.
• If your water heater is newer, it will have a built-in ignition switch. Push it until you hear a click and check if the indicator light is on. If your water heater is older, you may need to manually relight the pilot light with a match or lighter. We recommend a longer, single-handled lighter to keep your fingers away from the pilot flame itself.
• Press and hold the gas supply button for one minute to thoroughly heat the thermocouple.
• Release the gas supply and if the pilot light stays lit after a while, turn the on/off/pilot light to the ON position and then adjust your thermostat to the desired setting.
• Replace your access panel and get ready to enjoy your hot water!

For an Electric Water Heater:

When it comes to an electric water heater, one of the most common causes is a lack of electricity. You need to make sure the device is turned on. Is it plugged in? Has the circuit breaker tripped? Check out these two for an easy fix. 

If none of the above seem to be the problem, the lower or upper thermostat may be faulty, or a heating element may have failed. It is best to call in an expert to assess the damage.

For an Instantaneous Water Heater:

Aside from your exhaust pipes being clear, the unit getting gas and/or electricity, and no leaks, there are a few other common reasons why a water tankless heater won’t work:

• First, assess whether you manage everything in your house at once. Do you do the laundry, do you run the dishwasher, and do you give the kids a bath? Maybe too much for your current device.
• Check the thermostat and make sure it is properly fitted.
• Dust or dirt may have built up on the burners, or the unit may need to be flushed to remove deposits in the tubes.
• Clean the fresh air intake filter – this keeps dirt and bugs out, but also means it can clog over time.
• Annual inspection and maintenance can help prevent these problems in the future. Here’s how to do it yourself and see if it gets your device back in shape.

If your water heater is still not producing hot water after reviewing these common problems, it may be time to call a water heater expert.

Not Enough Hot Water?

If you have hot water – just not enough, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Your hot water tank may be undersized, especially when your family has grown or you are spending more time at home than you used to. Upgrading to a larger tank heater or checking out if a tank heater is right for you could be the next best step to guaranteed to keep your shower routine hot.

You might also be asking yourself the question: when was your water heater last emptied? If the answer is “never” – it might be time to call a professional – enough sediment may have built up to prevent the water heater from working for various reasons and it may have reached the end of its life and is hot water capacity.

If you’ve flushed your water heater in the last 5 years, you can probably tackle the work yourself and see if a new flush can get your water heater working again. Here’s our step-by-step guide to flushing your hot water tank. Keeping up with this yearly maintenance can help you avoid the shock of a cold shower in the future.

Are you still having problems with the Hot Water?

If all of these things have been checked and there’s still no hot water – or not enough hot water – coming out of your faucets, it’s probably time to call a professional. If you are in our service area, please give us a call. We are the experts in water heater repair and installation – that’s all we do.

If you discover that your water heater is leaking, you must act immediately. A leaking water heater may seem like a minor inconvenience, but in reality it can quickly become a major problem. The average water heater has a 50 gallon tank and when water leaves the tank (drained or leaking), cold water quickly fills it to capacity.

As the tank keeps filling up due to the water heater leaking, the area around your tank will become flooded. Even a small amount of water leaking from your water heater can damage your floors, sub-floors and walls. A major flood could result in high repair bills and damage to personal property. Leaks in the water heater can also pose a health problem and lead to mold.

A water heater leak will not go away on its own. It gets worse over time.

Not all hot water leaks are serious. Some can be fixed by simply tightening a connection. Others might need a little more attention, but you can probably do the repairs yourself, especially if you like DIY projects.

Unfortunately, there are also times when your water tank is leaking and you need to either call a plumber to fix it or buy a new water heater.

In any case, this article will help you figure out why your water heater is leaking and what you need to do to fix the problem.

Let us begin!

What to Do First: Water Heater Leaking 

If your water heater’s leak isn’t obvious, it’s a good idea to do a little troubleshooting before turning off the water supply. Just because there is water under your water heater doesn’t mean your water heater is leaking.

Oven drain lines, water softener drain lines, condensation, and other plumbing items could be the source. These things can easily make your water tank look like it’s leaking, when the problem isn’t your water heater at all.

If you cannot see where the water is coming from, you can pat the area dry and place paper towels or newspaper on it. Come back in the next few days. If the water is coming back and you still can’t identify the source, chances are your water heater is leaking.

Switch Off the Water Supply

The first thing you need to do is turn off the water supply to your water heater.

There should be two pipes above your water heater. One will feel warm and the other cold. Some manufacturers even label them with red and blue collars or paint.

The cold pipe is the water supply line. It allows cold water to enter your water heater when hot water is drawn off. Follow the line and look for a shut off valve. Most water heaters have a shut-off valve on the water supply line.

How to turn off the water

There are two types of valves commonly used:

• Ball Valve – Ball valves have a lever handle. Pull or twist the handle down to turn off the water supply.
• Selector Valve – Selector valves (also called gate valves) have an impeller that must be turned clockwise to shut off the water supply. Turn the rotary knob as far as it will go.

Although most water heaters have a shutoff valve on their water supply line, some do not.

In this case, you may need to turn off the water using your home’s main shut-off valve. This shuts off all water entering your home, including your water heater water supply.

Turn off the power

If your water is shut off, now is the time to turn off the power to your water heater. The process is different for gas and electric heaters:

Gas water heater

Follow these steps to turn off the power to a gas water heater:

How to turn off a gas water heater

• Locate the valve on the gas supply line. The line is usually a few feet from your water heater. It is located near the bottom and is connected to the gas control valve.
• Turn the valve on the gas supply line clockwise until it stops. This shuts off the gas supply to the water heater.

Electric water heater

Follow these steps to turn off power to an electric water heater:

How to turn off an electric water heater

• Locate your water heater’s circuit breaker in the household electrical panel. It will be due to a dedicated circuit breaker.
• Turn OFF the circuit breaker.

Now that the water and electricity are out, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and troubleshoot!

Hot Water Heater Leaks: Troubleshooting Guides

At this point, our goal is to identify the source of the water heater leak. Once you’ve determined why your water heater is leaking, we’ll show you how to fix the problem.

Generally, if a water heater is leaking from the top, the problem can be repaired. In fact, you might be able to do the repair yourself.

Unfortunately, if your water heater is leaking from the bottom, there is a higher chance that the problem is serious. . . but not always.

Here are some of the most common reasons why a water heater leaks:

Cold Water Inlet / Hot Water Outlet

If your water heater has a pool of water at the top, the source of the leak is likely the water inlet valve, cold water inlet, or water outlet.

Any time there are pipe connections, there is a higher chance of a leak. Follow the cold and hot water pipes. Do you see water? Are the fittings tight? Is there a leak around the shut off valve on the cold water supply line?

The solution to any of these problems could be quite simple and you could do it yourself. Here’s what to do.

T&P Relief Valve

The temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P relief valve) is a required safety device on all water heaters.

If the pressure in the tank rises to a dangerous level, the T&P valve relieves tank pressure by opening the valve and allowing some of the water to escape from the tank.

This will prevent the tank from bursting or exploding!

You can find the T&P relief valve on top of your water heater or on the side. Look for a copper or PVC pipe running down the side of the tank to the bottom. This is the T&P drain hose that connects to the relief valve.