WATER HEATER MAINTENANCE
Water heaters often work perfectly for a decade or more without any care, so they're easy to neglect. But a few minutes of water heater maintenance once a year pays off by extending the tank's life span and maintaining your water heater's efficiency and safety.
First, you need to know where your water heater is. This should be very simple. It should be located in your garage.
Be careful! You are going to be dealing with gas/electricity and very hot water and steam.
This should be simple enough. Look around the tank itself and read any warnings and labels. If you can't determine one sure fire indication is if there is a pilot light odds are it's gas. Mine is gas operated.
Note: Read the instruction on the tank for turning off the gas and or electricity. Don't just do it unless you know what you are doing.
The water shut off valve is located on the top of the water heater. It typically looks like the circular water valves used for front and back yards.
The pressure release valve is located on the top as well. It should have labeling near it. There is piping that leads out of the water heater and into the wall. On the other side of the wall should the the continuation of this piping. It is typically in the front yard or entry way. Make sure it is not obstructed. This is very important.
The water drain is located on the bottom. It is usually a simple spout that has threads so that a hose can be attached. (These threads will be needed for later.
Now that you know where your water heater is and what it operates with (gas or electric) you are ready to perform it's yearly maintenance. Be sure to turn off the gas to the water heater (if gas) or shut off the circuit breaker if electric. (Again, read instructions carefully.) I did this the night before. This saves the energy it takes to warm the water that you will soon be draining. No need to heat water you won't be using.
Get a hose.
Get a bucket.
Get some gloves to protect you from possible hot steam and or water.
Next you will want to turn on the water drain to release the water from the water heater tank.
The water will drain from the hose and then slowly stop. This is because the pressure release valve needs to be opened to allow air into the tank. A vacuum has been formed and no additional water will be drained from the tank until the vacuum is opened up and removed.
Don't worry if the water is a little dirty as first. That is from all the dirt and sediment that has built up. This is the reason why you are draining it. Get all that stuff out!
Wait 10 - 30 minutes to allow all the water to drain.
Turn off the water drain and remove the hose.
Take the bucket and place below the water drain.
With pressure valve still open turn on the water to the water tank and then turn on the water drain to allow the rest of the sediment to be flushed out. Allow a few gallons worth of water to drain. Be sure to check the water draining out and make sure it is clear. If it is then you are set to refill the tank.
And then ....
Turn off the water drain and remove the hose.
Take the bucket and place below the water drain.
With pressure valve still open turn on the water to the water tank and then turn on the water drain to allow the rest of the sediment to be flushed out. Allow a few gallons worth of water to drain. Be sure to check the water draining out and make sure it is clear. If it is then you are set to refill the tank.