Drain sediment from the water heater
More than half the homes we inspect have a water heater at or near replacement age. Sediment on the tank bottom is what kills them early, and this ten-minute job slows it down.
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- Turn the heater off. Gas: turn the control to Pilot or Vacation. Electric: flip the breaker. Skipping this on an electric unit can burn out the elements when the water level drops.
- Connect the hose to the drain valve. The valve is near the bottom of the tank. Run the hose to a floor drain, outside, or a bucket. The water will be hot.
- Open a hot faucet somewhere in the house. This lets air in so the tank drains instead of holding a vacuum.
- Open the drain valve and let two or three gallons run. Watch the water. Cloudy or gritty water is the sediment leaving. Run it until it clears. You don't need to empty the tank.
- Close the drain, disconnect the hose, close the faucet. Then turn the heater back on. Gas back to the normal setting, or breaker on.
- Test the relief valve while you're there. Lift the lever on the pipe near the top for one second. Water should spurt out the discharge pipe and stop when you let go. If it dribbles afterward, the valve needs replacing.
When it's past the do-it-yourself line
If the drain valve won't open, won't close, or the relief valve keeps dripping, stop and call a plumber. A tank older than 10 years that shows rust at the fittings or on the floor is a replacement conversation, not a flush.
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