Tips for Equipment Maintenance

Tips on navigating AC Drain line clog, repeat clogs in water drains, and overview of regular maintenance on a water heater.
Steps on how to flush your water heater - and why you need to!
Do not attempt if it has not been done in the last 4-5 years.
Regular flushing your water heater will extend the life of your equipment and make it more efficient. With hard water, it is recommended up to 3-4x per year.
Tools needed:
Rags, a bucket, garden hose, and possibly a screwdriver.
1. Heat
If electric, turn the breaker off.
If natural gas, turn it down to “vacation”, or turn off the pilot. I prefer “vacation” when available, as this prevents needing to refer to instructions for relighting the unit.
2. Cool down
You could either wait for it to naturally cool, or I recommend just running the hot water inside and the cold water will mix with the hot.
Note: This isn’t a necessary step, but I recommend it at least being brought down to a more comfortable temperature just in case it does get on you.
3. See if it will drain
Turn off the cold water valve on top of the unit.
With a rag in hand, and with no water faucets open in the house, open the drain valve at the bottom of the unit.
You should see some water come through the valve, but with everything but the drain valve closed, it will create a vacuum that will hold the water in.
If no water comes out, there is a blockage and you might call me. 😬
4. Draining
Connect your water hose to the drain valve and pull the other end to where you’ll drain it out and drain
I like to see the debris that is coming out, and I just use a small bucket with holes in it and an old white t-shirt to catch it all.
With everything in place, drain valve open, you’ll open the cold water valve at the top.
That is about all it takes.
Let that water flow, checking whether there is still sediment flowing out until you don’t see any more. Usually takes 5-10 minutes. You should be able to hear the water flowing through your unit pretty well.
When you see clean water coming through your hose, you can close the drain valve and remove your hose.
Finally, you’ll turn the heat back on and have good hot water and a clean unit.
Super easy, and it only cost you a little time and attention.

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