Over time, sediment and minerals can build up in your hot-water tank, causing common issues such as blocked pipes, odors, and pressure loss. Cleaning the tank prevents these problems, keeping your heater operating efficiently. Spring is probably the best time to clean your unit since it gives you enough time to address potential problems before the warmer months begin. Here’s the ultimate guide to spring-cleaning your water heater. Although this is something a homeowner could attempt on their own, it is recommended for both safety and convenience that you hire a professional.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Heater

To lower the risk of accidents or injuries, professionals turn off the water heater before they start working on it. If you own an electric water heater, the plumber will head to the circuit breaker panel and switch off the breaker connected to the unit. This way, the heater will not accidentally turn on while they are cleaning it. If you have a gas water heater, the plumber will ensure the gas shut-off valve near it is in the “Off” setting before they begin flushing it.

Step 2: Have All the Necessary Tools

During water heater spring-cleaning, professional plumbers come with all the necessary tools and materials to get the job done right the first time. These tools are a standard garden hose for draining water from the unit, a bucket for collecting the water flushed out from the heater, and a towel for cleaning up any spills. Also, a professional might need a screwdriver to open the drain valve.

Step 3: Attach the Garden Hose

Next, your local plumber will connect the garden hose to the drain valve, keeping the connection secure to prevent leaks. They will ensure the other end of the garden hose is directed toward a large bucket or floor drain to catch the water coming from the heater. If the drain valve is in a hard-to-reach spot, the plumber might need pliers or a wrench to properly tighten the connection.

Step 4: Open the Drain Valve

Once the garden hose is securely connected, the plumber will slowly open the drain valve to allow the water to flow out of the unit. The water coming out might be murky, depending on how regularly you flush your heater. Professionals let it run until it’s clear since this indicates that the mineral deposits and sediment have been flushed out.

Step 5: Close the Drain Valve

After the water runs clear, your plumber will close the drain valve, turning it clockwise to keep it tightly shut, and disconnect the hose. They will next turn on the water supply and refill the tank. Once the tank is full, the plumber will turn the water heater back on.

Conclusion

Sediment can build up and calcify in neglected water heaters. Calcified sediment is hard to remove and can even lead to complete water heater replacement. That’s why you should have a plumber professionally flush and inspect your unit at least once a year. If you are a resident of Dayton, OH and looking for water heater maintenance, repair, or replacement, call us at The Right Brothers today.