Replacing a water heater is not only costly, it seems to happen when you need the water the most. Flushing your water heater every six months is the best way to keep it in working order and extend its life.
How To Flush A Water Heater
That process of heating the water and storing it can also create scale a sediment in the tank, over can time effect the performance of the unit. Watch as Ace's Home Expert, Lou Manfredini, walks you through the process.
The average tank water heater last about 10 years in the U.S. I am sure there are plenty of you reading this thinking I am nuts but it’s true.
20% of the energy used to heat the water is for standby. Meaning the tank full of water waiting for you to turn on the hot water. (consider a tankless or on-demand unit)
Draining the tank annually can prolong its life and boost its efficiency.
The get the most of out draining you need to do this after the heater celebrates its first birthday. Attach a hose to the spigot on the bottom of the tank and lead it to a floor drain or bucket. Open the valve and drain about 2-3 gallons of water. This should pull sediment from the bottom of the tank.
You can do this on older heaters, but the benefits may not be the same. If you have a heater that has never been drained, say for the last 5-7 years do not start now. Remember the average heater lasts about 10 years.
Replacing a water heater on your terms as opposed to once it conks out is always cheaper and easier to accomplish.
Published on 11/19/2021.
Always follow manufacturer's instructions before using any product.
These “How-To’s” are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in Ace Hardware’s “how-to” videos and/or articles is intended to provide general guidelines for projects in and outside of your home. Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes, local regulations are continually changing. Ace Hardware assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein and disclaims any liability for the omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project and the product being used. The viewer must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project or using materials of said project. If you have any questions, concerns or doubts in regards to any element of what is displayed in the videos and/or articles, contact a licensed professional.
