The water heater is an essential component of the modern home, and the benefits of providing proper and timely maintenance can result in an extended lifespan, especially for areas with hard water. You want it last as long as possible, and providing a hot water heater flush significantly helps to accomplish this. In addition, a clean tank maintains proper performance, for the best energy efficiency possible. A Benjamin Franklin plumber can provide the water heater repair in Sugar Land that you need.

The water heater should be flushed once per year. However, bi-annual flushing provides the best results for areas with hard water. An alternative is to utilize the 2 months and 2 quarts method discussed later. Flushing removes the layer of sediment that collects in the bottom of the tank. 

Reducing Energy Bills

The collection of sediment in the water heater causes the appliance to work harder in order to heat water, as it first has the task of heating the sediment. This leads to the appliance running longer, not only driving energy costs up, but also increasing the wear and tear on the appliance, and reducing its lifespan.

Flushing Extends the Life Span of a Water Heater

A routinely flushed water heater is less likely to rust and corrode. When you schedule water professional water heater maintenance from a Benjamin Franklin plumber, you will also receive a water heater inspection that can identify developing problems early, enabling the plumber to provide water heater repair in Sugar Land before additional water heater damage, or water damage to your home occurs. 

Hot Water Heater Flush

The following instructions will assist you to flush and drain the water heater. However, if you are uncomfortable with the procedure, contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber for a professional cleaning, or other water heater repair in Sugar Land.

1) Turn off the water heater as follows:

  • Electric water heaters: turn off the circuit breaker labeled for the water heater in the home’s electrical panel by pushing it to off.
     
  • Gas water heaters: turn the gas setting to pilot.

2) Turn off the water heater’s cold water supply. If there is not a shut off valve located at the water heater, you can shut the water off at the water meter.

3) Connect a garden hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the water heater. Place a thick towel underneath it to absorb any leakage.

4) Place the other end of the hose out of a door or window to drain onto the ground. Ensure the hot water will not drain on people, pets, plants, electrical outlets, or other electrical items. If you are unable to drain water to the outdoors, a bucket will suffice. Empty when half full after shutting off the drain valve while you empty it.

5) Open the nearest hot water tap. This will enable the water to drain out of the water heater.

6) Open the drain valve slowly. Water should start coming out of the hose, remember to use caution, as the water will be hot. If using a bucket monitor the water level closely to prevent overflow. Close the drain valve and empty the bucket often. It is best to empty when about ½ full to avoid burns from sloshing hot water.

7) Inspect the draining water, when you no longer see sediment draining, and the water is clear, the flush is complete.

8) Close the drain valve and cautiously disconnect the garden hose from the drain valve using a towel or oven mitt to avoid scalding. Hold the hose up to prevent water from scalding you. Turn the faucet previously opened off. If the drain valve leaks after the procedure try tightening it, and leakage continues contact a plumber for hot water heater repair in Sugar Land.

9) Turn the cold water supply back on. Wait 10 minutes for the water heater to fill back up. Open the faucet once more to purge any air from the system. When the water stops sputtering, you can shut the hot water tap off.  

10) Turn the water heater back on to start heating the water.

Two Months-Two Quarts Method

After providing a full flush to the water heater, in order to prevent excessive sediment build up in the future, remove 2-3 quarts of water from the drain valve on the water heater tank every 2 to 3 months. Alternately, your plumber can install a water softener to provide protection for the entire home’s plumbing from hard water, while reducing the frequency of water heater repair in Sugar Land. 

If the water heater continues to have problems after providing a hot water heater flush, contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber for water heater repair in Sugar Land. Our plumbers in Sugar Land offer reliability, and the plumbing expertise you require for water heater repair in Sugar Land. In addition, we offer a broad range of residential and commercial plumbing services backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing serves Sugar Land, Katy, Houston, and the surrounding areas. We are a member of the BBB with a consistent A+ rating. Contact us today to schedule water heater repair in Sugar Land.