Blog
How to Flush a Water Heater
If your water doesn’t stay hot like it used to, or you hear crackling from the tank, it’s probably time for a flush. Kansas water is tough on equipment. Minerals settle at the bottom of the tank, trapping heat and wearing the system out. Flushing clears that buildup so the water heater runs like it should. It’s not complicated, but it does take care and a few safety steps.
Why Flushing Matters
Every gallon that comes through your pipes carries minerals. When that water heats, the minerals drop to the bottom. Over months and years, that sediment hardens. It blocks heat, rattles the tank, and eats up energy.
A yearly flush keeps that from happening. It:
- Helps the system heat faster
- Cuts down on noise
- Keeps rust and corrosion from spreading
- Extends the life of the tank
- Saves money on power or gas
Ignoring sediment is like letting gravel build up in your car’s gas tank. It still runs, but not for long.
How Often You Should Flush
Once a year works for most homes. If you live around Wichita, Hutchinson, or Kingman, where the water’s harder, every six months is better. You’ll know it’s overdue if the tank rumbles or the hot water turns cloudy.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, grab a few basics.
Tools:
- Garden hose
- Bucket or floor drain
- Flathead screwdriver
- Towels or rags
- Gloves and safety glasses
Optional: vinegar or descaling cleaner if the tank’s really dirty.
Safety first: Turn off the power or gas before you touch anything. Let the tank cool for a while. Hot water can burn fast.
Step-by-Step: Flushing a Water Heater
Here’s how we do it in the field. You can follow along if you’re comfortable, but don’t force a valve that feels stuck, that’s when to stop and call.
- Shut Off Power or Gas: If it’s electric, flip the breaker. If it’s gas, switch the control to “pilot” or turn the valve off. You don’t want the burner or elements heating an empty tank.
- Close the Cold-Water Valve: Turn the valve on top of the water heater clockwise to stop water coming in.
- Hook Up the Hose: Connect a garden hose to the drain valve near the bottom. Run the other end to a drain or outside. Make sure it’s tight.
- Open the Drain: Use a screwdriver to open the valve slowly. Water and sediment will start pouring out. It’ll look cloudy at first and that’s normal. If nothing comes out, the valve’s clogged. That’s a good time to call a plumber.
- Flush with Fresh Water: Once the tank’s mostly empty, turn the cold-water valve back on for a few minutes. That rinse pushes out leftover grit. Keep it running until the water comes out clean.
- Close and Refill: Shut the drain valve and remove the hose. Turn the cold-water supply back on to fill the tank. Leave a hot faucet open upstairs until the air spits out and you get a steady stream.
- Turn Power or Gas Back On: When the tank’s full, flip the breaker or relight the pilot. Give it about half an hour, then check the temperature, around 120 degrees is ideal.
- Check for Leaks: Wipe everything down and look for drips. Tighten fittings if needed. If it’s still wet, shut things down and have it checked.
Signs It’s Time for a Flush
Watch for these:
- Popping or banging from the tank
- Rusty or cloudy water
- Hot water running out faster
- Strange smells from the tap
Those point to sediment or corrosion. The sooner you flush, the better.
When to Call a Professional
Some water heaters drain fine. Others fight you every step. If the valve won’t open, the water won’t drain, or the tank starts leaking, stop. For gas or electrical work, don’t take chances.
Call a pro if:
- The drain’s clogged solid
- You see rust or corrosion
- The pilot keeps going out
- You have a tankless unit (they need pumps and special hoses)
Our plumbers at Eck Services do this every day. We handle both tank and tankless systems and make sure everything’s sealed, cleaned, and back up safely before leaving.
Water Heater Work by Eck Services
Eck Services handles plumbing and water heater service all over South-Central Kansas, Wichita, Pratt, Kingman, Hutchinson, Medicine Lodge, Salina, Anthony. We know the water’s hard here and how fast sediment builds up.
We offer:
- Annual flushing and cleaning
- Tank and tankless repairs and installs
- Gas and electrical checks
- Full plumbing maintenance for Kansas homes
We’ve been doing this work for decades, and we treat every job like it’s our own house.
Keep Your Water Heater in Shape
Flushing once a year keeps your system heating right and prevents expensive breakdowns later. It’s simple maintenance that makes a big difference.
If your water heater is due for a flush or showing signs of trouble, contact Eck Services today for expert maintenance and repair across Wichita, Pratt, and surrounding Kansas areas.
