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Easy Water Heater Fixes
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Before draining and flushing your water heater, turn off the gas or electric power and let the water cool a little if you can. Close the incoming water valve and attach a hose to the drain valve to run the water into a large bucket, a drain, or outdoors.
Open the drain valve and open one hot water faucet somewhere in the house or apartment to let in air. When all water has drained from the water heater, turn the cold water valve on and off until the water from the drain runs clear. Then close the drain valve and the hot water faucet, open the cold water valve, and turn the water back on. |
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This is a good time to test the temperature-pressure relief valve, which keeps pressure from building too much in the boiler. Lift or lower its handle. Water should drain from the overflow pipe.
Electric water heaters are generally less expensive to install than gas-fired types because they don’t require venting. But unless you live in a region where electricity is unusually affordable, an electric water heater can be significantly more expensive to operate.
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