Knowing How to Use This Function Will Greatly Extend the Lifespan of Your Water Heater

It is clear that the demand for water heaters has become almost indispensable in every Vietnamese household. Before taking a shower, you simply need to plug in the device for a short while, and you’ll have hot water ready—very convenient for daily use.

However, when using a water heater, it is important to know certain features that help clean the device. This prevents dirt from building up inside and reduces wear on the heater.

In fact, cleaning a water heater is not too difficult or complicated. On the body of the heater, there is a “hidden switch” that you can open to let dirty water flow out. This “hidden switch” is actually the drain valve of the heater. By turning it, you can flush the tank and remove any sediment that has accumulated inside.

Step 1
The first thing you need to do before cleaning the water heater is to drain all the hot water to avoid burns during the process. Then, disconnect the power supply and shut off the water inlet.

Next, carefully remove the inlet pipe, outlet pipe, and the safety valve. Once the water has completely drained out, continue by unscrewing the drain valve, which is located next to the inlet and outlet pipes. Be gentle, as the drain valve is usually attached to the magnesium rod (sacrificial anode). This rod’s function is to protect the areas inside the heater that are not coated with enamel, preventing rust from forming and protecting the tank’s core from damage.

Attach the inlet pipe to the outlet port, then open the water supply to let cold water flow inside the heater for flushing. The dirty water will flow out through the drain valve.

Step 2
After flushing for about 1–2 minutes, once the sediment has been cleared, disconnect the inlet pipe from the outlet and reassemble all the pipes as they were before.

As for the magnesium rod, you should clean it before reinstalling. If the rod is corroded more than 60%, it must be replaced immediately. If not replaced, the magnesium will react with other metals inside the heater, causing leaks, corrosion of the tank, and potential harm to users.

With just these simple steps, all the sediment inside your water heater will be removed. According to experts, to prevent excessive buildup, it is best to clean your heater using this method every six months.