Your water heater may be one of the appliances in your home you take for granted. Have you ever woken up to your early alarm clock, stumbled into the bathroom, turned on the shower, and stepped in just to be smacked in the face with cold water? Trust us…we’ve been there before and it isn’t pleasant There are two major benefits to routine annual water heater maintenance.

Increase Efficiency & Saves You Money

Sediment buildup is very common in water heaters, and can be a major contributor to making your system less efficient. If you’ve ever heard banging or knocking noises coming from your water heater, this is likely a sign that you need to have your water heater flushed. The sediment is caused from loose minerals in the water, which then settles on the bottom making it more difficult to produce hot water. We suggest that you flush your water heater at least once a year or every 6 months. Once you’ve done this, you will likely save money on your next utility bill and get hot water quicker!

Decrease The Likelihood Of Costly Breakdowns

Studies show that homeowners have a plumber in their home once every three years. If you have yearly water heater maintenance, our technician will catch water heater leaks, corrosion, or anything that is prohibiting your system to work at 100%. As an added value, when you hire us you’re also entitled to a FREE whole-house plumbing inspection. Something as simple as draining your water heater annually may help you and your family enjoy hot water in your home for years to come.    

How to Drain Your Water Heater for Maintenance

Once you’ve located your water heater and read over your owner’s manual. The DIY Network suggests the following steps on how to drain it. Remember, if you’re uncomfortable performing this type of maintenance on your water heater, make sure to call a plumber and schedule a professional draining Step 1: Shut off the water supply to your water heater Look at the top of the water heater. You’ll see a water pipe and a water shutoff valve going into the heater. Turn this valve to shut off the water to the tank. Step 2: Turn off the power to the water heater If your heater is electric, shut the power off from the circuit breaker box. The correct fuse should be labeled as belonging to the water heater. It’s important to know that if you fail to shut off the power to your electric water heater, you risk burning out the element. If it’s a gas-powered water heater, shut off the gas by turning the valve on the gas supply line that runs to the tank.

Step 3: Give the water some time to cool off

The water in your water heater is extremely hot. To help prevent injury, it’s a good idea to let your water heater sit overnight to allow the water within the tank some time to cool before you drain it. Step 4: Attach a hose to the drain valve Once your water heater has cooled down, place one end of the hose into a floor drain or, if it will reach, directly outside. Attach the other end onto the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater. Step 5: Turn on the hot water tap To help alleviate pressure, open a hot water tap, like a sink faucet, nearest to your water heater. Step 6: Open the drain valve Once you open this valve, the water will begin to flow out of the tank. Be patient; draining the water heater can take up to 30 minutes depending on how full and dirty the water heater is.

Step 7: Turn the water back on to flush the tank with fresh, clean water

With the drain valve still open, turn the water back on to eliminate any remaining sediment on the bottom of the tank. Once the water runs clear, turn the water valve off. Step 8: Refill the tank Remove the hose from the drain valve. Turn the water back on and start refilling the tank. Once the tank is full, turn the power to the water heater back on.   Visit us online