Cleaning Water Heater Tank

Let the drain valve run for a few minutes until the water exiting from the hose is clear.

Cleaning water heater tank.

To clean the sediment out of a water heater follow these steps. Step 3 wipe the hot water heater down with a dry cloth to get rid of as much dry dirt as possible. Then turn the cold water supply off once more. This water will help dislodge any additional sediment that may have been inside your tank.

Step by step instructions for flushing the sediment from a water heater. For a 40 gallon tank you will typically pour 2 gallons of clean. Press down on the wand s handle to shoot the water inside the tank. Water heaters should be flushed every one to three years depending on the model and water source.

This helps to control the buildup of mineral deposits. Your water heater will operate more efficiently and this will usually extend the life of the heater. Open the drain valve after unscrewing the water supply line and allow sufficient time for the water to drain out of the heater into the basin. Reactivate the cold water supply before you disconnect your hose from the drain valve.

Tank water heaters vs. Unscrew the cold water supply line at the top of the water heater and remove the nipple screwed into the cold water port. Storage tank water heaters require little maintenance and are less expensive than tankless water heaters. Shut off the gas or electricity to the water heater and open a hot water faucet and let it run full blast for about 10 minutes to reduce the water temperature in the tank.

Then shut off the cold water valve at the top of the tank and attach a garden hose to the existing drain valve and route it to a floor drain. Push the end of the wand into the port at the bottom of the water heater tank and turn on your hose. Pour clean water to your water heater through the funnel based on the size of your heater and the cleaning product s directions. If there is a thick layer of dust or dirt on your hot water heater use a shop vac to take off as much dust as possible.

Spray the inside of the tank with the cleaning wand. Run the hose end to a basin where you can collect hot water. Use the crevice attachment to clean underneath the tank around the pipes and behind the hot water heater. On the downside they use more energy.

Be sure to turn off the power to the water heater and the cold water inlet valve before you begin any repairs. If you don t use that stored hot water it cools down and has to continually be reheated. Once the water has drained close the valve. Rotate the wand around the tank so it sprays each wall of the tank.