Quck answer
To fill a hot water heater, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the power or gas supply to the heater.
2. Close the water supply valve to the heater.
3. Connect a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the heater.
4. Place the other end of the hose in a drain or outside.
5. Open the drain valve and let the water drain out completely.
6. Close the drain valve and remove the hose.
7. Open the water supply valve and let the heater fill with water.
8. Once the water is flowing from the hot water faucet, turn on the power or gas supply to the heater.
9. Check for any leaks and ensure the water is heating properly.
10. Your hot water heater is now filled and ready to use.
There are various reasons why you might need to fill a hot water heater. It could be due to a leak causing low water levels, repairs that required draining the appliance, regular maintenance flushing, or the installation of a new water heater. Regardless of the reason, it is important to follow the correct procedure to ensure the water heater is filled properly and functions correctly.
Instructions for Filling a Hot Water Heater
Step 1: Power Off the Water Heater
Turn off the gas valve or electricity breaker that powers the water heater. Also, shut the cold water valve.
Step 2: Connect a Hose and Open the Valve
Attach a hose to the drainage valve for directing the water outdoors or into a drain. Open the drainage valve by turning it counterclockwise.
Step 3: Turn On a Hot Water Faucet
Find a hot water faucet in the house and open it to let air inside. Then, close the drainage valve.
Step 4: Commence Filling the Water Heater
Turn on the cold water to start filling the water heater.
Step 5: Check the Flow and Restore Power
Wait until a steady flow of water is observed from the hot water faucet, indicating that the tank is full. Restore the power.
Instructions for Flushing and Refilling a Hot Water Heater
Step 1: Power Off and Drain the Water Heater
Turn off the gas valve or electricity breaker that powers the water heater. Attach a hose to the drainage valve located at the bottom of the appliance. Direct the hose into a drain or outside to allow the water to drain out. Close the cold water valve.
Step 2: Open the Valves
Open the pressure and temperature relief valves (located on top of the water heater). Open the drainage valve and let the water flow out. Some particles may be noticed, which are normal sediment or scale.
Step 3: Close the Valves and Disconnect the Hose
Close the drainage valve, disconnect the hose, and close the pressure and temperature relief valves on top of the water heater once the water flow stops.
Step 4: Turn On the Water
Open a hot water faucet in the house. Open the cold water valve and listen for the water heater to start filling. Close the faucet when a steady flow of water comes out from the hot water faucet.
Step 5: Restore, Recover, and Recheck
Restore power to the water heater and allow it to recover. Recheck and tighten the drainage valve.
Tip
Flushing the water heater will not eliminate all sediment, but regular flushing will help prevent excessive buildup inside the appliance. It is generally recommended to flush a water heater every six months, but in areas with hard water, more frequent flushing is advisable.
Caution
Be aware that the water inside a water heater is extremely hot. It is important to take safety measures, such as wearing eye protection, and to keep a safe distance from the drain hose in order to avoid getting burned.
It is crucial to regularly check on the water heater while flushing and refilling it.
