It’s essential to regularly flush your water heater. Doing so keeps it running efficiently and extends its lifespan. Over time, sediment builds up inside the tank, which can affect performance and even lead to damage. While professional maintenance is always a great option, flushing your water heater is something many homeowners can do themselves. Here’s how to do it for different types of water heaters and how Haller can help.
Flushing a Conventional Water Heater
A conventional water heater stores hot water in a tank and heats it as needed. Flushing this tank helps remove sediment buildup, improving efficiency and preventing potential issues. Follow these steps to flush your system safely:
1. Turn Off the Water Heater
Before you begin, turn off the thermostat and power supply:
- Electric water heaters – Switch off the power at your home’s breaker box.
- Gas water heaters – Turn off the gas supply valve on the pipe leading to the thermostat.
If possible, shut off the water heater a few hours ahead of time to allow the water to cool. Otherwise, be cautious—hot water can cause serious burns.
2. Quickly Flush Your Water Heater & Turn Off the Water Supply
- Attach a hose to the drain valve (located at the bottom of the tank).
- Open the valve for a few seconds to dislodge any sediment stuck inside, then close it again.
- Run the hose outdoors or into a bucket to catch the water.
- Turn off the cold-water supply valve above the heater.
3. Release Pressure & Drain the Tank
- Open the nearest hot water faucet in your home. This helps drain the remaining water while preventing a vacuum from forming in the system.
- Fully open the drain valve to start emptying the tank. Keep a bucket handy if needed to catch the water.
4. Flush Out Sediment
- Once the tank is empty, turn on the cold-water supply briefly to stir up any remaining sediment.
- Let the water drain out, repeating this process until the water runs clear.
5. Restore Power & Water
- Close the drain valve and remove the hose.
- Turn the water supply back on.
- Close all but one hot water faucet to allow air to escape while refilling the tank.
- Restore power (flip the breaker back on for electric units or relight the pilot for gas models).
6. Check for Leaks
Once the tank is refilled, inspect the drain valve for any leaks. If you notice dripping, the valve may need to be tightened or replaced by a professional.
After completing these steps, your water heater should be back up and running within about 20 minutes.
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Flushing a Hybrid Water Heater
Hybrid water heaters work by extracting heat from the air to warm stored water, making them an energy-efficient option. Because they include a storage tank, the flushing process is very similar to conventional water heaters:
Steps to Flush a Hybrid Water Heater:
- Turn off power & water supply.
- Shut off the unit’s power and the cold-water valve.
- Attach a hose
- Connect a hose to the drain valve and direct it outdoors or into a bucket.
- Drain the tank
- Open the valve and let the water flow until it runs clear.
- Flush the system
- Briefly turn on the cold water supply to remove any remaining sediment.
- Close the valve & restore power
- Once the water runs clear, close the valve, remove the hose, and turn the system back on.
Flushing a Tankless Water Heater
Unlike conventional models, tankless water heaters heat water on demand rather than storing it in a tank. However, they still require periodic flushing to remove mineral buildup and keep them running efficiently.
While some prep steps are similar, flushing a tankless system is more complex and requires a descaling solution (such as vinegar or a specialized cleaner) to break down sediment.
Why This Job is Best Left to Professionals
Manually flushing a tankless system can take hours (or even days), and most homeowners don’t have the necessary equipment, such as a submersible pump to circulate the cleaning solution. For the best results—and to avoid damaging your system—it’s recommended to contact the professionals at Haller for this job.
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Keep Your Hot Water Flowing
Regularly flushing your water heater is a simple but crucial step in keeping it running efficiently and extending its lifespan. Whether you have a conventional, hybrid, or tankless water heater, routine maintenance helps prevent sediment buildup and ensures you get the most out of your system. While some homeowners may feel comfortable flushing their own water heater, more complex systems—like tankless models—are best left to the experts. That’s where Haller comes in. With the right tools, expertise, and experience, our team can handle the job safely and effectively, ensuring your water heater operates at peak performance. If you’re unsure about the process or want professional assistance, contact Haller today—we’re here to help!
