The summer is a perfect time to perform preventative maintenance on your water heater. By completely draining all water and sediment, you can keep your water heater running efficiently, which will in turn save you money on your energy bills. All you need for this task is a water hose:

 

article continues below ↓

• First connect the water hose to the drain valve near the bottom of the water heater. If your water heater is in the inside of your house or in the attic you may have a drain line already plumbed in.
  
  
• Before draining, turn off the electricity or gas to it. Also turn off the water supply to the heater, which is located on a pipe above the water heater unit. If you don't see it, turn off the water supply to the entire house.
  
  
• Next open the drain valve and drain the heater completely.
  
  
• Then turn the water supply on while the drain valve is still open. This will flush out anything remaining in the tank.
  
  
• Once it looks clear, close the drain valve, fill the tank, and turn the power back on or relight the pilot light.

Doing this twice a year is wise because it will improve the heater's operation and increase its lifespan.

 

About Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford, a 26 year remodeling professional, is the home improvement expert for The Early Show on CBS and The Weather Channel.  Additionally, Danny has appeared on such shows as LIVE with Regis & Kelly, Fox & Friends and CNN’s Open House.  His home improvement advice is regularly published in national magazines such as “Consumer’s Digest,” “Real Simple,” “SmartMoney” and more.  Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford, entering its eighth season, is a nationally syndicated home improvement show airing on more than 190 stations.  Lipford, a certified graduate remodelor, as designated by the National Association of Home Builders Remodelors Council, has emerged as today’s voice of home improvement.