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Flushing or Draining Your Water Heater—What’s the Difference?

When it comes to  water heater repair  and  tankless water heater service , you can’t go wrong with  Lange Plumbing & Fire Protection. Our experienced Las Vegas plumbers know water heaters front and back, and want you to stay as informed as possible when it comes to your equipment, too. Which brings us to one thing many homeowners still don’t know about their plumbing appliances: flushing of draining your water heater—what’s the difference?

Although you might not suspect it, having a handle on what to do and when can actually have a big impact on your water heater and larger plumbing system. To flush out your water heater, all you have to do is connect a hose to the drain valve and switch it on. This will allow you to transfer the hot water in the tank to a safe location. It should take no more than several minutes, and it’s a good way to refresh your water heater without actually having to shut off the water supply to the tank.

It is fairly common for plumbers to recommend flushing out you water heater. However, draining out your water heater often gets overlooked, and it is important know how to perform this task if you have been instructed to do so.

The important difference when we talk about flushing your water heater versus draining it is that draining requires you to shut off the water supply. This can take some time. However, the advantage of draining out your heater is that it lets you know what kind of condition your water is in. As you watch the water drain out, you will be able to observe how it looks, seeing if it is discolored at all. You should pay particularly close attention to the last gallon, checking to see if the water is rusty looking. If your water does get rustier as it drains, chances are your water heater is probably worn down, and on the verge of leaking. Call a professional plumber to discuss installing a new one if this is the case.

Flushing out your water heater can be done whenever you feel like your hot water supply is getting a bit stale, while draining it should be done a few times a year. Moreover, even if you believe your water is fine, it is still a good idea to shut off the water supply a few times, just to make sure your shut off valve works alright. Remember,  leaks  can strike at any time, so knowing where your main water shut off valve is, knowing how to use it, and knowing that it works is extremely important.

For plumbing tips and tricks, keep reading our  Ask Bernie blog. Remember, Lange Plumbing & Fire Protection offers  a full selection of plumbing services  for all your repair and maintenance needs. We even provide  new construction work , to ensure your dream home has the perfect plumbing. Contact us today, and find out why Lange Plumbing & Fire Protection is  beloved in Las Vegas and beyond.

Call (702) 500-0936 now to schedule service, or click here to  send us a message online. We are available 24/7 for emergencies.

We Get The Job Done Right The First Time

CONTACT LANGE PLUMBING & FIRE PROTECTION TODAY!

CONTACT LANGE PLUMBING & FIRE PROTECTION TODAY!

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