You should flush your hot water tank once every 6 months. If your local water is harder or contains more minerals, you may need to do so on a more frequent basis. At a minimum, drain 1 to 2 gallons of water from the drain valve monthly.

Follow these steps to flush your water heater:

  1. On a gas water heater, turn the gas valve to the off position. On an electric water heater, turn power off to the heater (located in electrical panel marked water heater).
  2. Shut the cold water off to the water heater.
  3. Open a hot water faucet.
  4. Connect a hose to the drain valve on the heater and run to a drain.
  5. Open the drain valve and allow the tank to completely drain.
  6. Turn back on the cold water into the water heater.
  7. Allow the water to run through the water heater and out of the drain valve. Do this for approximately five (5) or ten (10) minutes.
  8. Close the drain valve and allow the tank to refill, keeping the hot water faucet open. When water comes out of the faucet, the tank is full.