Do I need to drain my storage hot water system?

Why is draining water from the hot water heater important?

In some areas the water contains a lot of minerals which can accumulate in the hot water tank. These minerals can build up inside the water tank over time depositing on the bottom of the tank. If not cleared this deposit will become bigger and bigger and reduce the efficiency of the hot water heater.

This deposit is corrosive and really bad for the internal heating elements as well as the tank lining. It can damage the metal which can lead to a noisy hot water system, leaks, and it can also shorten the life of the unit. Flushing the accumulated sediment out of the tank periodically if you live in an area with a high mineral content in the water is important to maintain a well-functioning water heater. Doing this regularly can reduce the risk of last-minute expensive repairs and breakdowns.

How often should you drain the hot water system?

Try to drain the storage hot water system once a year so that the sediments are removed. The frequency of the draining also depends on your water usage and the quality of water in your area. It is also important to get the system inspected by a plumber so small problems are discovered before they become massive. For specific advice on your style and brand of heater, consult the manufacturers manual or speak to your local hot water plumber who will also be able to provide guidance on the water quality in your area.

Signs you need to drain your hot water system

• No hot water
• Brown or rust coloured water coming out of the heater
• Strange noises coming from the heater
• It will take longer to heat the water
• The water pressure is low

What happens if you do not drain your hot water system?

If your hot water system tank is not drained regularly to remove the build up of sediment the internal elements will corrode faster and will have to work harder to heat the water. You could end up spending money on preventable repairs and if the damage is too much, you will have to get the system replaced.

How to drain hot water system?

A lot of factors need to be considered when it comes to hot water systems like:

• Safety
• Water pressure
• Sanitation
• Legal requirements
• Drainage
• Pipes

DIY plumbing work is illegal in Australia. If your hot water system is giving you a headache, contact the trusted professional Sydney plumbers. There are many things that could go wrong is you try to fix it yourself. For example, you may misdiagnose the problem and fix the water heater incorrectly. If DIY repairs go wrong and lead to water damage your house and contents insurance may not cover repairs. Your harmless DIY work can lead to serious consequences. If you haven’t had your heater drained in ages, give us a call on 02 9191 7374 and we will be happy to help.

How to Drain Hot Water System

Please note - these are general guidelines only, consult your hot water unit operating manual for instructions on how to drain your particular hot water system.

• Turn off the electricity supply to the heater. For a gas water heater, turn off the gas supply and change the temperature setting to pilot mode. This ensures the hot water unit isn’t damaged.
• Utilise all the hot water before you follow the next steps as you can get scalded by the leftover hot water. Water can remain hot in the tank for days and it is not good to drain the heater when it is full of hot water.
• Locate the cold water supply to the heater and turn it off. It is usually located on the bottom of the tank. If you can’t find it, check the owner's manual.
• Open a tap in your home to allow air into the system.
• If your water heater has a separate drain valve, connect a garden hose to the drain valve and open the valve. The other end of the hose should lead to the garden or a bucket so the water doesn't flood your home.
• Place a bucket below the pressure relief valve and open the valve. It will allow the water to flow easily and you can also ensure the valve works properly. If the water doesn't come out from the valve, you may have a faulty pressure relief valve. This step is optional, pressure relief valve can to allow air to enter the heater. If water doesn’t drain properly, open a hot water tap.
• Let the water drain for some time. This should get rid of the sediment deposited in the tank

Once the water has drained completely from the unit, it is time to restart the heater following these instructions.

• Turn off the drain valve and remove the garden hose
• Turn off the pressure relief valve
• Open the cold water inlet valve so the cold water can filled up the tank./li>
• Turn on the electrical power or the pilot ignition to your hot water unit
• Wait for a couple of hours for the tank to heat up and you will be able to use hot water again

Contact the expert Sydney plumbers at Pure Plumbing Professional for reliable and professional maintenance of hot water systems. Get in contact with us on02 9191 7374 or complete our online hot water system enquiry form.