Hot Water Heater Flushing

It’s COOL TO FLUSH YOUR HOT WATER hEATER

Ordinary home maintenance includes flushing your hot water heater once a year. As the City continues to take steps to address issues with sediment and discolored water in some communities, we also encourage residents who have experienced these issues, to flush your water heater every few months. This is an effective practice toward preventing residue buildup and keeping your water heater in proper working order.

Follow the 13 step process below on how to properly flush your water heater:

Step 1. Locate the breaker/fuse box for an electric heater or thermostat for a gas heater. Shut off the power source.

Step 2. Turn off the cold water supply by rotating the water shut-off valve clockwise.

 Step 3. Open the hot water faucet in your sink or bathtub.

Step 4. Attach a garden hose to the drain cock/valve located at the bottom of the water heater. 

Step 5. Extend the garden hose to a place where the water from the heater can safely discharge.

Step 6. Open the drain cock/valve to allow the water to exit the heater.

Step 7. Open the pressure relief/TP valve .

Step 8. Turn on spigot on the unit and drain until the water leaving the heater runs clear. If the tank is empty but you suspect sediment remains, turn the cold water supply back on and allow the tank to  partially fill and then drain it again.

Step 9. Once the water coming from the unit is clear, close the drain cock/valve and remove the garden hose. 

Step 10. Close the pressure relief valve.

Step 11. Turn the water supply back on and let the tank fill. Slowly open the pressure relief valve to bleed off the excess air. 

Step 12. Close the pressure relief/TP valve again.

Step 13. Once the unit is full, turn the circuit breaker/fuse back on.