Many of us never think about the water heater until it stops working!  Our hard water in Florida is "hard" on our water heaters and plumbing fixtures.  Sediment build-up from calcium carbonate in our water is naturally separated from the heat and can build-up over time forming a sand like condition in the bottom of the tanks.

The sediment build-up can slow the heat transfer and in many cases burn out the lower element and/or greatly reduce the energy efficiency of the water heater.  Furthermore, the sediment often drifts into the plumbing lines getting lodged in valves and faucet filters causing additional build-up and damage. 

It is recommended that you drain your water heater annually to make it more efficient and extend the life of your water heater. 

Here are 5 easy steps to safely drain your water heater:

1. Shut off the circuit breaker to the heater.  If gas, turn off the pilot light. Turn off the cold feed. 

2. Turn on and run the hot water side of a fixture inside your home until it is lukewarm and leave open.

3. Attach a garden hose to the valve at the bottom of your heater and run the hose outside or to a lower nearby drain.

4. Open the drain valve on the heater. Once the water stops draining turn on the cold feed to the heater to flush out the remaining sediment.  When the water is clear, you have successfully flushed your tank.

5. Turn the valve off at the bottom of your tank and turn off the hot water faucet inside your home. After the tank is completely full of water, turn the circuit breaker back on to heat the water back to normal temperature.
 

Note, be sure the tank is full before turning the power and heating element back on.  Failure to do so can result in burning out the element requiring expensive repairs.