If your HOT water begins to have an odor or to appear discolored, you may need to flush your hot water heater. To do this:

  1. Turn off the gas or electricity.
  2. Close the cold water valve.
  3. Attach a hose to the drain valve, to route water into a floor drain or outdoors.
  4. Open the drain valve and open one hot water faucet somewhere in the house to let in air.
  5. When all water has drained, turn the cold water valve on and off until the water from the drain looks clear.
  6. Close the drain valve and the hot water faucet, open the cold water valve and restore power.

**Maintenance Tip: You should open the drain valve at the bottom of your heater about every 6 months and let the water run into a bucket until it looks clear (usually about 5 gallons). This will prevent sediment accumulation.

Note: If your hot water continues to have an odor, you may need to Chlorinate your water heater. Please see our "Water Essentials" information on Controlling Odor in Your Hot Water Heater
 
 
 
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