The pilot setting on gas water heaters can continue to stay on during flushing, but electric models must be completely off. This is because of the
Yes it is safe to leave the water heater in pilot mode while flushing. You do not want the burner to fire while the tank is empty as this can damage the tank but the pilot will not cause a problem. Added: most gas valves with a standing pilot have the temp setting and ``pilot'' then off settings.
Step 1: Turn Off the Power Supply or Gas Line
Ideally, you should turn your water heater off for a few hours before draining the tank.
Yes it is safe to leave the water heater in pilot mode while flushing. You do not want the burner to fire while the tank is empty as this can damage the tank but the pilot will not cause a problem. Added: most gas valves with a standing pilot have the temp setting and ``pilot'' then off settings.
Opening a hot water faucet will help the water heater drain faster. Some drain valves may be opened with a handle but others require a flat blade screwdriver. Let the water heater drain completely.
Turn off the electricity to the water heater or turn the gas switch to pilot. Shut off the cold-water inlet to the water heater. Connect a garden hose to the tank's drain valve. Locate the draining end of the hose in an area that won't be adversely affected by the scalding hot water.
Open each hot water faucet slowly to allow the air to vent from the Water Heater and piping. A steady flow of water from the hot water faucet(s) indicates a full Water Heater.
Draining your water heater minimizes sediment buildup. This buildup can damage your water heater over time, so it's good to get rid of it. Here's how you can drain your water heater.
How Long Does It Take to Drain a 50-Gallon Water Heater? Draining a 50-gallon water heater for larger units usually takes 45 to 60 minutes. However, it's worth noting that these are approximations, and the actual time can vary.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Heater
The pilot setting on gas water heaters can continue to stay on during flushing, but electric models must be completely off.
It is recommended that you flush your water heater at least once per year. Doing so will help to prevent the potential problems that sediment can bring over time. Typically, it takes one to two hours to flush a water heater. The size of your tank will impact the amount of time it takes to drain.
If neither you nor a professional have flushed your water within the last five years, Water Heaters Now recommends not flushing it yourself. If you flush a water heater that already has a significant sediment buildup, it can actually cause more problems.
Keep the area around your hot-water tank clean and clear of combustibles. This includes accumulations of dust and dirt, paper of any type, and especially any flammable liquids. Paint thinner, cleaning agents, and gasoline are all examples of dangerous liquids that should be stored well away from the water heater.
If the gas burner or electric heating elements come on during the flushing process, the water heater can be damaged, requiring repair or replacement. Some manufacturers will recommend turning the gas off completely during this process, others may recommend setting the gas valve to the “pilot” or “vacation” setting.
You can save gas and conserve energy by switching off the pilot light during summer. There is continuous use of gas to keep the pilot light on—turning it off will help save energy. While it may not be a significant drop in your energy or gas bill, remember, every dollar counts.
Your unit's pilot light is always burning when the unit is on. If the pilot light goes out, the gas will stop flowing and your unit will shut off. When heating is required, the gas control valve releases the gas into the main burner where the pilot light ignites the gas.
While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.
While draining the tank, keep the pressure relief valve open. This allows air to enter the tank, facilitating a smoother and faster draining process. It also prevents a vacuum from forming inside the tank, keeping the water flowing consistently and preventing potential damage to the tank structure.
Sediment Buildup is Clogging the Valve
This is usually the most common culprit of a slow draining hot water heater. If this is your experience and the mechanical workings of the valve itself seem fine, keep trying to drain the tank. It might take a while, but eventually flushing out the tank will improve the situation.
The longer your water heater goes without a drain-and-flush, the more sediment and minerals will accumulate at the bottom of the tank. Eventually, this causes scaling. Ever noticed that hard, mineral buildup on your sink faucets and shower heads? That's scale: accumulated mineralization.
Connect a garden hose to the drain valve. Run the end of the garden hose to an exterior location or into a bucket to catch the water and sediment that will be released. Flush the water heater tank briefly while the water pressure is on. Open the drain valve for a few seconds and then close it again.
It's important to shut off the power to your water heater before draining it, or you could potentially burn out the heating elements. If you have an electric water heater, shut the power off from your home's electrical panel. The correct fuse or circuit breaker should be labeled as being connected to the water heater.
Both gas and electric water heaters often have electric parts, so it's a good idea to turn off the electricity for both types. With a gas heater, you'll also want to follow directions for diverting gas flow. Some water heaters let you set the unit to the pilot setting, while others recommend using the gas shutoff.
You'll know when your water tank is full when the hot water tap, which you turned on earlier, runs normally without any residual air coming out.
Water is excellent at retaining heat due to its high specific heat capacity. When placed near a heater, water absorbs, and stores heat from the heater, helping maintain a stable temperature in the room.