Mount Pleasant Waterworks: Water Company & Public Water Utility in South Carolina - Residential Water Services - Pub Detail

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(For general information only. Please refer to your manufacturer's instructions for possible variations and safety considerations.)

WARNING! Electricity must be off at all times while the tank is empty.

For GAS water heaters - If you are not familiar with procedures for relighting your gas water heater, please consult a plumber.

Step 1: Electric water heater - Shut off electricity to the water heater at the circuit breaker or fuse box. Gas water heater - Turn the gas control knob to the “off” position.
Step 2: Give water a chance to cool down - 45 minutes to one hour.
Step 3: Shut off the cold water supply to the water heater using the cold water shut off valve on top of the tank.
Step 4: Open hot water faucet in kitchen and/or bathroom. Leave open while draining the water heater.
Step 5: Connect a hose to the drain valve on the bottom of the water heater. Route hose to an adequate drain area.
Step 6: Open the drain valve.
Step 7: When the water heater has completely drained, open cold water supply valve to the water heater for 30 to 60 seconds then shut off.
Step 8:
(a) Check water coming out of drain hose for clarity.
(b) Continue steps 7 and 8 until water is clear.
(c) Once flush water (Step 8) is clear, your heater is clean.
Step 9: Close drain valve on bottom of tank and remove drain hose.
Step 10: Open cold water supply valve (reverse of Step 3). As your water heater fills, you will notice air escaping from kitchen and/or bathroom faucets. Leave these outlets open until there is a steady flow of water.
Step 11: Close kitchen and/or bathroom faucets.
Step 12: Electric water heater - Turn on electricity to water heater at circuit breaker or fuse box. Hot water should be available in 30 to 45 minutes.
Gas water heater - Follow manufacturer’s lighting instructions to restart gas water heater.