Water heater cleaning service

Geyser and Heater services your water heaters should be flushed every one to three years depending on the model and water source. This helps to control the buildup of mineral deposits. Your water heater will operate more efficiently and this will usually extend the life of the heater.

Steps to clean water Heater

• For electric heaters, locate and shut off the power source; circuit breaker or fuses. Also shut off cold water supply to unit
• Attach a garden hose to the drain valve, located at the bottom of the heater. The drain valve usually looks like a regular hose bib, or a round dial with a threaded hole in the middle
• Extend the garden hose to a place where the water can safely exit the heater
• Open the drain valve to allow the water to exit the heater
• Allow the water in the bucket to stand undisturbed for a minute and see if the water is clear or if any sand-like material settles to the bottom
• Close the drain cock and remove the garden hose
• Close the pressure/relief valve if opened
• Turn water supply back on and let tank fill
• Close the water heater drain
• Open hot water on bathtub and wait for a full stream of water
• Turn off the tub valve
• Listen carefully to the water heater to hear it working
• Wait about 20 minutes and then test for hot water at the bathtub

Warnings

Be careful, as the contents of the water heater may be very hot.

If you do not feel comfortable doing this work yourself, call a licensed plumber.

Be careful not to break the drain cock.

Regular flushing will keep your heater free of debris, but most plumbers caution that if the valve hasn't been opened in more than five years, it may be best not to attempt turning the handle as the valve may fail.