How to Flush a Water Heater
Step 1
When flushing your water heater, you want to make sure to turn the power off to the water heater before getting started. If you have an electric water heater, shut off the power at the circuit breaker; if your water is gas powered, shut off the flow at the main gas line. Be careful not to touch the water that is coming out of the water heater, as it could be extremely hot.
Step 2
Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater. Run the hose to a floor drain, or run it outside. Close the shutoff valve at the cold water inlet line. Then open the temperature and pressure valves at the top of the water heater. Open the drain valve to allow the water and any sediment or scales to drain out of the water heater.
Step 3
Once the tank is empty, close the drain valve and remove the hose. Then close the temperature and pressure valves at the top of the water heater. Go to the water faucet and turn on the hot water; open the shutoff valve at the cold water inlet line. This will start to fill the water heater again. Make sure when you are running the hot water that you wait until there is a steady stream of water coming out of the faucet before you turn it off.
Step 4
Lastly, turn the power back or gas back on. Check one last time to make sure you have secured the drain valve.
