Hey Folks, Mike Here Again.
If your water heater is making popping sounds, heating slow, or smells like it’s been brewing old eggs in the basement… it’s probably time for a flush.
Don’t panic. This isn’t one of those “call the pros” jobs—this is one you can knock out in under an hour with a garden hose, a flathead screwdriver, and a little common sense.
And if your tank’s 50–60 gallons like the ones over at The Furnace Outlet, flushing it out once a year is one of the best things you can do to keep it running hot, quiet, and efficient for the long haul.
Let’s get our hands dirty. 💦
Why Flushing Your Tank Actually Matters
Here’s what’s going on inside your water heater: as water gets heated, minerals like calcium and magnesium drop out and settle at the bottom of the tank. Over time, this sediment builds up like mud on a riverbed.
That muck does a few nasty things:
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Insulates the bottom heating element so it works harder
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Eats up tank space, so you get less hot water
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Makes your heater pop, bang, and hiss like it’s haunted
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Eventually rusts out the bottom
Regular flushing clears out that gunk and keeps your heater efficient. The Department of Energy actually recommends flushing your heater at least once a year.
What You’ll Need 🔧
Before you get started, make sure you have the following:
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A garden hose (about 5–6 feet)
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A flathead screwdriver
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Bucket (optional but helpful)
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Gloves and rags
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Time (30–60 minutes)
And if your unit didn’t come with a self-cleaning feature, you’ll need some extra patience.
Step-by-Step: How to Flush Without Flooding
Let’s get into it. This process works for most 50–60 gallon electric water heaters found in homes across the U.S., like the ones offered at The Furnace Outlet.
1. Turn Off the Power 🔌
Safety first! Head to your breaker panel and shut off the power to the water heater. If you skip this step, the heating elements could burn out once the tank empties.
If you’re not sure which breaker it is, look for a double-pole labeled "Water Heater." When in doubt, shut off the main and play it safe.
2. Shut Off the Cold Water Supply 🚿
Your heater has a cold water inlet valve at the top—usually a lever or knob. Turn it clockwise to stop new water from entering the tank. This keeps you from flushing in circles.
3. Let the Tank Cool
You don’t want to drain scalding water. Wait at least 1–2 hours after turning off power so the water temp drops below 120°F. You can test with a kitchen thermometer if you want to be precise.
4. Connect Your Hose
Take your garden hose and connect it to the drain valve near the bottom of the heater. Tighten it with your hand—don’t over-torque it. Run the other end to a floor drain, sump pit, or outside. Don’t drain it onto grass or plants—hot water and sediment aren’t exactly fertilizer.
If your home doesn’t have a basement drain, Family Handyman has a handy guide on where to drain water safely without flooding your space.
5. Open the Pressure Relief Valve (Carefully)
Flip up the T&P valve lever at the top of the tank. This prevents a vacuum from forming inside the tank during draining. Lay a rag or towel under the valve in case of drips. If you skip this, the water may slow to a trickle halfway through.
If your valve is stuck, check out this safety explainer from AV Web before forcing anything—it could be a sign of bigger problems.
6. Drain It Out 💦
Now comes the fun part. Use your screwdriver to open the drain valve slowly. Once the water starts flowing, give it 10–20 minutes to fully empty. If your tank hasn’t been flushed in years, don’t be shocked if the water looks rusty or brown.
Stubborn sediment? Once the tank is almost empty, turn the cold water valve back on briefly. This gives the inside a pressure rinse to break up remaining sediment. Do this in short bursts until the water runs clear.
7. Close Valves, Refill, and Restart
When you’re satisfied the tank’s clean, go through these steps to wrap it up:
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Close the drain valve
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Shut the pressure relief valve
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Turn cold water supply back on
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Let the tank fill until water runs from a nearby hot water tap
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Only then—turn the power back on
Turning the power on early could dry-fire the elements and cost you a pricey replacement. Let the tank fill completely first.
Pro Tips from Mike 🧠
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Use a bucket: If your drain doesn’t lead outside, catching the water in a bucket helps control flow and lets you inspect for debris or discoloration.
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Flush annually: Once a year is the gold standard. If you live in an area with hard water, you may need to do it more often. Check out Water Quality Association's US hardness map to find your region’s mineral level.
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Install a water softener: Reduces sediment buildup and helps your heater last longer. Learn how from Bob Vila’s home advice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid 🚫
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Leaving the power on while draining.
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Using too much force on the T&P valve or drain valve.
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Forgetting to check for leaks after refilling.
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Not replacing a worn-out hose washer, which can lead to leaks at the connection point.
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Skipping annual flushes, especially in hard water zones.
Signs It’s Time for a Replacement
If you’re flushing your 50–60 gallon tank and still notice any of the following, it may be time to upgrade:
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Lukewarm water even after heating
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Persistent rumbling or banging noises
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Water that never runs clear
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Leaks around the base
You can find reliable replacement options, like energy-efficient 50 and 60-gallon electric water heaters, over at The Furnace Outlet.
Mike’s Final Word 👨🔧
Look, flushing your water heater ain’t rocket science—but it’s one of those chores that saves you thousands in the long run. Skip it, and you could be dealing with sky-high energy bills, busted heating elements, or worse—flood cleanup.
Take an hour once a year and get it done. It’s like brushing your teeth: not fun, but you’ll thank yourself later when your home’s cozy and your showers stay hot.
And if your old unit’s just about had it, check out the lineup of dependable, affordable options right here at The Furnace Outlet.
Does your water heater not stay hot? Visit my guide: Why Your 50–60 Gallon Water Heater Keeps Running Out of Hot Water (And How to Fix It).
Until next time,
—Mike 🧢
