Flush Sediment from Your Water Heater

Over time, the minerals in hard water collect in your water heater, reducing the amount of hot water available, lowering your water temperature and, in some cases, reducing your water pressure.

Time — 15 minutes
Difficulty — Easy
Expertise — None
Frequency — Once a year
Where — All US

Steps

1. (Optional) Shut off the heating supply.
   • With an electric water heater, shut off the circuit breakers or pull the fuses.
   • With a gas water heater, turn the gas valve to the pilot position.
   • With an oil-fired water heater, turn off the power to the burner.
2. Put on rubber gloves to prevent burns.
3. Attach a hose to the water heater drain valve. The drain valve is on the side of your water heater, near the bottom. It looks like a typical outdoor faucet, with a handle and a threaded spout.
4. Put the other end of the hose near a floor drain. If there’s no floor drain, use several buckets.
5. Open the drain valve and let the water drain until the water runs clear.
6. Turn off the drain valve.
7. Wearing gloves, detach the hose from the drain valve. Lift the end of the hose so any hot water left in it runs towards the drain.