- 1). Turn the gas valve to the pilot position. This will prevent the burners from firing up during the flushing procedure. If you have an electric water heater, turn off the circuit breaker to the heater.
- 2). Locate the drain value on the hot water heater. This is typically near the bottom of the unit. Attach a garden hose to the valve and run the hose to a floor drain or stationary tub near the heater.
- 3). Shut off the cold water inlet valve on the heater.
- 4). Open the pressure relief valve and leave it open. This is normally a lever on the top of the tank.
- 5). Turn the drain valve, located near the hose hook-up, to the open position. The water should start to flow into the hose and to the drain or stationary tub.
- 6). When the water coming from the hose no longer has sediment build up, turn off the drain valve.
- 7). Remove the hose from the drain valve and open the pressure relief valve. Turn on the cold water inlet valve.
- 8). Turn on a hot water faucet somewhere in your home. It will sputter at first from air bubbles in the line. Let the faucet run until all bubbles are cleared.
- 9). Turn the gas valve back to the position it was at before the flushing procedure (typically the dial says "on") or turn the circuit breaker back on. Relight the pilot light if necessary.
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