How to Drain a Water Heater

If you want to keep your home’s plumbing running well, regular water heater maintenance is important. One aspect of this is flushing or draining your water heater, which we covered in our last blog post, Water Heater Flushing 101. If you’re not sure how to drain a hot water heater, there’s no need to worry! It’s fairly easy, doesn’t usually take very long and we’ve outlined the steps for you below.

1. Perform a Quick Flush

Connect a hose to the drain valve. Open the valve and flush the water heater while the power is still on. If an excessive amount of sediment comes out, let the heater fill back up, then repeat the process.

2. Power Down the Water Heater

Flip the breaker or switch the gas to “Pilot”. You’ll want to turn off the water coming into the heater, too.

3. Find and Open the Drain Valve

Place the open end of the hose over a bucket or the drain in your floor. Open the valve and move the hot water pipe at the top of the tank until water rushes out.

4. Drain the Tank

Turn on the water supply for the tank and let it run for 10-20 seconds. Then open the drain valve and let that water flow out. Repeat until there’s no sediment in the water flowing out of the tank.

5. Fill it Back Up

Close your drain valve. Disconnect your hose. Ensure that all pipes are connected exactly as they were before you started to flush your water heater. Turn the water supply to the water heater back on. Turn on a hot water tap in one of your bathtubs. As soon as the air is out of the line, close that tap and let the water heater fill up again.

6. Power Up the Water Heater

Light your pilot light again, turn on the gas, or turn on the electricity. Wait an hour or so until the water in the heater has had a chance to heat up again.

7. Test the Drain Valve

Check for leaks around your drain valve. If you have them, make sure that you closed it fully. If that isn’t the problem, try capping the valve. If it still leaks, have it replaced with a new one.

Carrollton Water Heater Experts

At Cathedral Plumbing, our plumbers all know how to flush a water heater. If you don’t have a chance to get it done on your own, give us a call and we’ll come do it for you. Otherwise, now that you know how to drain a water heater, getting it done should be quick and easy!

Call now for Water Heater Help!

Water Heater Flushing 101

Water heaters are about as low maintenance as most appliances can get. However, it’s important to flush your hot water heater regularly. This doesn’t take long and is usually something you can do yourself, though you can always rely on our plumbing team to get the job done, too. If you’re too busy or are just a little nervous about tackling this water heater service yourself, just call us at Cathedral Plumbing today!

Why Should I Flush My Water Heater?

When you drain your hot water heater, you get rid of the sediment that has built up inside of it. This sediment can cause a number of problems, including:

● Heating element impairment. If the sediment builds up around the heating element, it can insulate it and prevent it from getting your water as hot or make the water heater inefficient.

● Clogs in your pipes. If sediment flows into your pipes with your hot water, it can cause clogs. Flush your hot water heater to avoid this.

● Water heater malfunction. Sediment can prevent your water heater from working as designed. Remove it regularly to keep your water heater running well.

How Often Should I Drain My Water Heater?

You should drain your water heater at least once a year. If you have hard water, you may want to do it twice a year instead. Not sure about your water supply? Give us a call and we’ll come test it, then let you know how often to drain your water heater.

When Do I Need to Drain My Water Heater?

There’s no hard and fast rule about when to drain your water heater. Whenever you do it, mark it on your calendar or set up a reminder for when you want to do it again. That way, you won’t have to remember when to flush your water heater.

If you’re not sure when the water heater was last drained, go ahead and try it now. It may not need it but it will never hurt things to drain it.

If you notice sediment coming out of your faucets or a plumber tell you that you have sediment issues in your home, it’s time to drain your water heater. Do it ASAP to prevent future problems!

Water Heater Experts

As always, you can rely on your plumber from Cathedral Plumbing if you want help as you drain your hot water heater. We’ll be there soon to help you maintain this important appliance!

Call now for Water Heater Help!

How to Unclog a Drain Naturally

When homeowners notice that a sink is starting to drain more slowly than usual, they often turn to Drano or some other chemical solvent to unclog the drain. But what do you do, when after waiting the appropriate amount of time, the drain is still clogged? Or what if you want to unclog a drain naturally? You can certainly call the plumbing experts at Cathedral Plumbing for drain cleaning in Carrollton, but before you do, why not try a couple of things yourself first? If the methods below don’t work, we’re here for you!

Reach for the Plunger

When chemical solvents won’t go down the drain, or you want to use more natural and environmentally-friendly drain cleaning methods, reach for a plunger instead. Many people think that plungers are only effective for unclogging toilets, but when used on a drain, they can oftentimes create enough suction to dislodge a clog. Just make sure the plunger you use can seal all the way around the drain so you can get maximum suction and have the best chance of removing that stubborn clog.

Use a Homemade Household Remedy

If your drain is draining even just a tiny bit, it’s worth trying this household concoction of baking soda and vinegar. First, make sure all of the standing water has gone down the drain. Next, mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar (1 cup of each is a good place to start) and pour it down your drain. Let it sit for 30 to 60 minutes, and then run hot water from the tap. Sometimes, this mixture can break up clogs that even Drano can’t touch!

Wrangle a Plumbing Snake

If you don’t already own a plumbing snake, you can rent one from your local hardware store. This is usually a claw, hook, or pointed end on a long, flexible cable. You’ll thread the snake down into your drain, then use it to break up or pull out the clog. When Drano or some other chemical solvent won’t go down your drain, this can move the clog instead!

We don’t blame you if you’re a little uncomfortable using a plumbing snake yourself. It’s not very difficult to get them stuck in the drain, potentially causing more damage and even more extensive repairs. If this is your fear, give Cathedral Plumbing a call for drain cleaning in Carrollton or the surrounding area. Our plumbers are experts with plumbing snakes and will get rid of your clog once and for all. 

Drain Clearing Experts

If, after trying the methods outlined above, your drain is still clogged, or you just don’t want to mess around with it, reach out to Cathedral Plumbing. Our drain cleaning service experts are standing by and ready to help, 24/7!

Call now for help with your clogged drain!

When to Replace Your Water Heater

Is your water heater working as well as it could or should be? Do you know how long your water heater should last, or when you should get a new one? Should you replace your tank water heater with a tankless one? These can be complicated questions to answer. Luckily, Cathedral Plumbing is available to answer any and all questions you have about your water heater, but a good place to start when it comes to water heater replacement is with the questions below:

Do You Spend a Lot on Repairs?

As water heaters get older, they typically need more frequent repairs. Over time, it’s possible to spend more money on repairs than it costs for a new water heater. If you feel like you’re calling plumbers for your water heater a lot, ask about water hater replacement instead. Our experienced plumbers can let you know what’s best for your current situation.

Is Your Water Heater the Correct Size?

A water heater that’s too small means you may not be able to run the dishwasher and the shower at the same time. If you have quite a few people living in your room or if you notice you’re running out of hot water on a regular basis, it may be time to invest in a larger water heater.

How Hot Does Your Water Get?

If you find the water in your home is no longer getting to your desired hot temperature, it’s time to call in the professionals. Our experts can inspect your water heater and let you know if the issue can be fixed or if it’s simply time to retire your old water heater and replace it with a newer model.

How Old is Your Water Heater?

Most water heaters typically last 8 – 10 years. If yours is older than that, it may be time to consider getting a new one. Some people like to wait until their current water heater stops working, but we recommend you at least think about replacing it before you run out of hot water!

Are Your Utility Bills Unusually High?

Since water heaters lose their efficiency over time, it’s not unusual to be spending more money on utilities when you have an older water heater. If you feel like your utility bills are starting to be higher than they’ve been, for no apparent reason, it may be time to think about a new water heater.

Water Heater Replacement Pros

If you have any questions at all about your water heater, reach out to us at Cathedral Plumbing! Our experts will look examine your current water heater and give you their expert opinion. If you decide water heater replacement is right for you, we’ll help you pick one that suits your needs and budget. We’ll then help get it ordered, delivered, and installed.

Call now for Water Heater Help!

How to Choose Between Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters

There are many types of water heaters available on the market today. Conventional, or tank water heaters, hold all of your hot water in a tank. The system works hard to keep this water hot so it is available whenever you need it.

Tankless water heaters are newer and they don’t store water. Instead, they heat the water as it is needed. This can save energy and money because the system isn’t constantly heating water. However, these water heaters cost more to install and may not be the best option for some homes. 

The Pros and Cons of a Tank Water Heater

A tank water heater costs less to install upfront and it is a simpler system, so repairs are less complex and generally less expensive. 

However, there are several downsides to a tank hot water heater. They cost more to use because they are constantly heating water to whatever temperature you have set the system to. They also take up a lot more space in your home and they don’t last as long as the tankless versions.

Most tank water heaters only have enough hot water for about three showers. If you need more hot water than that, you will either have to wait or make do with cold water instead!

The Pros and Cons of a Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters last 20-30 years, which is twice the average lifespan of a conventional water heater. They can also reduce energy costs by up to 25%, so they cost less to operate and can pay for themselves over time. They don’t take up nearly as much space as a conventional water heater does and you’ll always have plenty of hot water, whenever you need it.

On the other hand, tankless water heaters can cost up to 5 times more than conventional water heaters cost. Some of them can fail to produce enough hot water, especially if you’re using a lot across several systems at once (like taking a shower while someone washes dishes and you’re running your washing machine). Replacing a conventional water heater with a tankless system can also be expensive because existing piping must be relocated.

Carrollton Water Heater Experts

If you’re still undecided about which type of water heater would serve your home best, or you’re ready to get one installed, reach out to Cathedral Plumbing today! We proudly offer a variety of water heater services throughout Carrollton, TX and the surrounding area.

Call now for Water Heater Help!