Step-by-Step Guide to Flushing Your Water Heater. Regularly flushing your water heater is essential to maintaining its efficiency and prolonging its lifespan. Over time, sediment buildup from Las Vegas’ hard water can reduce heating efficiency, increase energy costs, and even cause damage to your unit. At Active Plumbing & Air, a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience, we specialize in tank-type and tankless water heater installations, maintenance, and repairs.
As a Las Vegas Valley Water District-certified repair contractor, we provide affordable pricing, excellent service, and top-rated customer satisfaction with a 4.9-star rating from 819 Google reviews.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to flush your water heater step by step, why it’s important, and when to call a professional.
Why Should You Flush Your Water Heater?
Las Vegas has hard water, which means it contains high mineral content. Over time, these minerals settle at the bottom of your water heater, forming sediment that:
✔ Reduces efficiency – Your heater must work harder to heat water.
✔ Increases energy costs – A struggling system consumes more power.
✔ Causes damage – Sediment buildup can overheat and crack your tank.
✔ Shortens lifespan – Lack of maintenance leads to early replacements.
To keep your system running smoothly, it’s recommended to flush your water heater once a year.
Step-by-Step Guide to Flushing Your Water Heater
Step 1: Turn Off the Power Source
• Gas Water Heaters: Set the thermostat to “Pilot” mode.
• Electric Water Heaters: Switch off the breaker at the electrical panel.
For safety, make sure the unit is completely off before proceeding.
Step 2: Shut Off the Water Supply
Locate the cold water supply valve (usually on top of the water heater) and turn it off. This prevents new water from entering the tank while you drain it.
Step 3: Connect a Hose to the Drain Valve
• Find the drain valve near the bottom of the water heater.
• Attach a garden hose and place the other end in a drain or outside area.
⚠ Tip: Ensure the hose is securely attached to avoid leaks and water damage.
Step 4: Open the Drain Valve
• Turn the drain valve counterclockwise to release water from the tank.
• Open a hot water faucet in your home to help drain the system faster.
🚰 Note: The water may be hot and contain sediment, so drain carefully.
Step 5: Flush the Tank
• Once the tank is empty, turn on the cold water supply valve for a few minutes to flush out remaining sediment.
• When the water runs clear, close the drain valve.
🚿 Pro Tip: If sediment is excessive, repeat this step until the water is completely clear.
Step 6: Refill and Restore Power
• Close the drain valve and remove the hose.
• Turn the cold water supply back on and let the tank fill.
• Once full, turn the power source back on (or relight the pilot for gas heaters).
🚰 Check your nearest hot water tap to ensure the system is running smoothly.
When to Call a Professional
While flushing a water heater is a simple DIY task, there are times when you should call a licensed plumber for assistance.
🔹 Rusty or brown water after flushing
🔹 Strange noises coming from your heater
🔹 Leaks or cracks in the tank
🔹 Water not heating properly
At Active Plumbing & Air, we specialize in water heater maintenance, repairs, and replacements to keep your system running efficiently. Learn more about our water heater services here.
Additional Plumbing Services We Offer
In addition to water heater maintenance, we provide expert plumbing services across Las Vegas:
✅ We repair water main line leaks from the meter to your home.
✅ Inspect outdoor water mains for leaks to help conserve Las Vegas’ most valuable resource—water.
✅ Install emergency shut-off valves to protect your home from unexpected plumbing disasters.
Explore our full range of plumbing services here.
Schedule Your Water Heater Maintenance Today!
🚰 Keep your water heater running at peak efficiency! 📞 Contact Active Plumbing & Air today!
Why Choose Active Plumbing & Air?
✅ Family-Owned & Trusted for Over 30 Years
✅ Certified by the Las Vegas Valley Water District
✅ 4.9 Stars on Google with 819 Reviews
✅ Affordable Pricing & Quality Work
For expert water heater maintenance in Las Vegas, call us today or schedule a service online.