Addressing Sediment Problems in Your Hot Water Tank
If you have a gas water heater, turn the control to pilot. If you have an electric model, you should turn off the electricity at the panel. Next shut off the water above the heater so no new water can enter the tank. Then attach a hose to the drain valve. The other end of the hose should preferably go to a floor drain, although a bucket can also be used.
Open the drain valve to remove all the water from the tank. Most of the sediment should be removed by this simple act. Keep the drain valve open, but turn on the water as well, allowing some to enter the tank. Turn off the water after a few moments. Repeat this several times to coax as much sediment out with the water.
As a final measure, close the drain and fill the tank at least half way. Then you can drain it for a final time to remove any last bits of sediment. To prevent further common sediment problems, you can install a sediment filter for your tank if your problem is mostly with sand. A sand filter should be installed on the cold trunk line.
Sometimes sediment can also clog up the drain valve itself. Ideally you should be able to rinse the valve out under high pressure, but sometimes the valve needs to be replaced after a cleaning. You can accomplish this task while the tank is still full, just turn off the gas or electricity and wait for the water in the tank to cool. You should also not use any water in your house will completing the replacement.
To remove the drain valve, simply use a large groove joint pair of pliers to twist off the old valve. Then install a replacement valve by twisting it in clockwise. Be sure to use pipe thread sealing tape or pipe joint compound on the threads to ensure that the connection will hold water.
If you are planning to remove the drain valve, you may consider before installing the replacement valve giving your tank a final flush. This is best done if you have a floor drain that will quickly drain the water and sediment.
Many people mistakenly think that a sediment filled tank or a leaky drain valve is cause to replace the entire hot water heater. By these simple maintenance steps, most homeowners should be able to deal with any problems by themselves. Of course, if you encounter other problems while completing this repair, call a plumber who will be able to easily address the problem.
