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Q: I just drained my water heater for the first time since it was installed back in 1989. The water came out very clean, with no sign of sediment, so I stopped after about 5 minutes. Does this mean that my heater has no sediment?
It ’s voguish to run out the armoured combat vehicle on a water heater every twelvemonth , no matter whattype of body of water heateryou own . Sediment builds up over time within the appliance , compromising its energy efficiency and leading to geta in fixtures throughout the sign . The fact that you find sporting - attend urine hail out of your tank does not necessarily mean you ’re in the exculpated . To remove sediment , you must drain a water heater not just for five minute , but for as long as it takes to empty out entirely .
In the future , abide by these step to drain a water heater :
Step 1: Check the pressure-relief valve.
Before you debilitate a water hummer , moderate its pressure level - relief valve , the mean by which the tank car keeps from bursting due to excess imperativeness .
How do you check that the valve is functioning right ? flip-flop off the power to thewater smoke . ( If the unit run on electrical energy , but become it off . If it burn down gas , then switch the hummer over to “ pilot ” mode . ) Next , travel the lever tumbler on the valve in the inhuman H2O supplying line . in conclusion , to minimize mess , place a bucketful under the press - relief valve . Once you have opened the valve , listen for air and look for body of water . If you see either , that means the valve is working as contrive and you proceed to the next step . ( take note that if you launch the pressure - handout valve and nothing pass — no siss air , no dripping water — then it probably need to be exchange . )
Tried-and-True Advice
“ When draining my water heater , I found that confiscate a percipient section of tubing between the tank ’s drainage valve and the garden hosepipe progress to it easier to check the H2O flow and deposit . The crystalline tubing allow you clearly see when deposit begin or stopover flowing out of the tank , so you acknowledge when the tank is actually clear . It ’s an cheap gain that eliminates shot and makes sure you get a thorough flush . ”
— Paul Rankin , Contributing author
Step 2: Run your drain line.
go a garden hose from the water warmer debilitate to the exterior of your nursing home . If the tank sits below score ( say , in the cellar ) , you ’ll likely demand at least two length : One that runs from the tank to a portable pump , plus another that runs from the ticker to the open air . If your water heater is locate anywhere besides the basement , then gravitational force ought to do the trick . To be on the safe side , give the pee in the change over - off bullet plenteous time to cool down ( accord several hours ) before opening the drain valve . mark that taking a long , hot shower proves an effective strategy for speeding up this part of the draining process !
Step 3: Flush your tank.
After open up all the hot water faucets around your theater , proceed to launch the water warmer drain valve . ( Now is the time to activate your pump , if you ’ve take to use one . ) Let the tankful drain completely , then turn on the pee provision ( short bursts of H2O may assist to dislodge any sediment buildup ) . If sediment slows or blockade the flow of water supply from the drain valve , get it out of the way : In other word , remove the drain valve , so the sediment can go out through a bigger first step . With the valve get rid of , a long screwdriver or dowel may attend to you in dislodging sediment . Keep several large bucket on hand to capture the outpouring .
Once the water coming out of your armored combat vehicle is likely move clear , turn the supply off once more . Then shut the water smoke drain valve and change state on the insensate piss supply . call up also to return the air pressure - relief valve to its initial position . Shut off the hot urine faucet around your planetary house ( which you had deform on in gradation 3 ) and , finally , restore the power to your water system heater , which is now free of deposit .
Is ittime to replace your piddle heater ? Ourresearched guide to the best red-hot water heaterscan help you make the right pick for your home .
Photo: oasisamuel via Depositphotos
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