How to Purge your Water Heater

How to purge your gas water heater

1. Turn off the Gas and Water Supply:
   • Set the gas valve to “Pilot” or “Off” to prevent the burner from heating an empty tank.
   • Turn off the cold-water supply valve at the top of the water heater
2. Connect a Garden Hose:
   • Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater.
   • Route the hose to a floor drain or outside.

3. Open a Hot Water Faucet:
   • Open a hot water faucet on the same level as the water heater to allow air into the system.
4. Drain the Water Heater:
   • Open the drain valve with a screwdriver or lever and let the water heater drain completely. This may take 30 to 40 minutes.
5. Flush the Tank:
   • Once the water heater is drained, open the cold-water supply valve for 20 to 30 seconds and close it. Repeat this 4 to 5 times to flush out any sediment from the bottom of the tank.
   • If the water is not flowing out of the hose, try blowing air backwards into the hose to clear any debris blocking the valve.
6. Close the Drain Valve:
   • Close the drain valve tightly and remove the hose. Ensure it is not leaking.
7. Refill the Tank:
   • Open the cold-water supply valve and let the water heater fill completely.
   • After the water heater is full, let the water run from the hot faucet for a minute to purge out any remaining air.
8. Turn the Gas Back On:
   • Turn the gas valve back to “On” and increase the temperature setting back to where it was. If you turned it off, you may need to relight the pilot light.

How to purge your electric water heater

1. Turn Off the Power and Water Supply:
   • Turn off the breaker for the electric water heater to prevent the element from heating an empty tank.
   • Turn off the cold-water supply valve to the water heater.
2. Connect a Garden Hose:
   • Attach a garden hose to the drain spigot at the bottom of the water heater.
   • Run the hose to a safe place, such as a floor drain or outside.
3. Open a Hot Water Faucet:
   • Open a hot water faucet in the house to allow air into the system.

4. Drain the Water Heater:
   • Open the drain valve and let the water drain out completely.
   • Open the cold-water supply valve briefly several times to agitate the sediment at the bottom of the tank and flush it out.
5. Flush the Tank:
   • Fill the tank completely with cold water and drain it again. Repeat this process until the water runs clear.
6. Close the Drain Valve:
   • Close the drain valve and the pressure relief valve (if opened).
7. Refill the Tank:
   • Open the cold-water supply valve and let the water heater fill completely.

   Open a hot water faucet to bleed out any air in the system.

8. Turn the Power Back On:
   • Set the thermostat back to the desired temperature and turn on the breaker for the electric water heater.