How to Drain Your Water Heater
Draining a water heater is one of the single most important things you can do to protect your Hot Springs home system. Draining it removes the accumulated sediment that interferes with performance.
The performance capacity is diminished as the system becomes overburdened with gunk. Everyone should drain their water heater regularly to protect their water supply and their tank.
What Has Collected in the System?
As water is pumped into the tank, debris like dirt and minerals will settle in the bottom. It continues to collect until removed. Too much sediment affects the cleanliness of the water and stresses the system.
As the system is forced to work harder, the energy efficiency goes down and utility costs increase. Within the system, the excess sediment causes a corrosive environment conducive to rust.
The rust damages the system and accelerates wear and tear. Rather than having to replace the system after 15 or 20 years, the resident instead will be forced to replace the system in far less time.
How Often Should the System be Drained?
The system has to be drained partially on an annual basis. A full draining is required every few years if the water supply is pretty good in the area. If the water is hard in the area, the system should definitely be drained every six months.
What Are the Steps for Draining Water?
The water and energy supply in your Hot Springs home should be cut off completely. Once shut off, both of the valves at either end should be opened. Pay particular attention as the water drains from the system. If there appears to be clogging, turn on the cold water supply briefly in order to disturb the hardened sediment so that it is loose enough to drain.
Now the drain and pressure relief valve should be closed again to allow the tank to fill up. If the system hasn’t been drained in a while, these steps will have to be performed several times to get good results.
Think of the sediment as a factor in the performance of the water heater. Low sediment in the system means that the system is more energy efficient. A better running system lowers energy costs and improves water supply.
Draining the system alone comes with risks. If not careful, permanent damage can be done to the delicate system. This is especially the case if the system is older.
Give Bowen Plumbing, Inc. a call today at (501) 318-3747, to get your water heater flushed properly in your Hot Springs, AR home.