Knowing how to use this special feature will significantly extend the lifespan of your water heater.

It’s clear that water heaters have become an indispensable appliance in almost every Vietnamese household today. Just plugging in the device for a short while before showering gives you hot water instantly, making daily life much more convenient.

However, to maintain your water heater’s performance and longevity, you need to understand some key features, especially how to properly clean it to prevent dirt and sediment buildup that can damage the device over time.

The “Hidden Switch” on Your Water Heater Body

Cleaning a water heater isn’t as complicated as many think. On the body of the heater, there is a “hidden switch” that most people don’t know about. This switch is actually a sediment drain valve. Simply opening this valve allows dirty water and accumulated sediment to flow out into a basin or container, effectively flushing out the contaminants inside the tank.

Step 1: Prepare Before Cleaning

Before starting the cleaning process, the first thing you must do is drain all the hot water inside the heater to avoid burns during cleaning. After that, unplug the power source and turn off the water supply to the heater.

Next, disconnect the water inlet and outlet pipes as well as the safety valve. Once all water inside the tank has been drained, locate the sediment drain valve, which is usually found next to the inlet and outlet pipes. Be gentle when turning this valve because it is connected to the magnesium rod (also called the sacrificial anode rod), which helps protect the inner tank from rusting. The magnesium rod prevents corrosion on parts of the tank that are not coated with enamel, thus protecting the core structure of the water heater from getting damaged.

Step 2: Flushing the Water Heater

Attach a hose to the water outlet pipe and open the water supply valve to let cold water flush through the tank. This process pushes out dirt and sediment through the sediment drain valve. Keep flushing for about 1-2 minutes or until the water coming out is clear and free from sediment.

After flushing, remove the hose from the inlet pipe and reattach all the water pipes and the safety valve exactly as they were before.

Step 3: Check and Clean the Magnesium Rod

Before reinstalling the magnesium rod back into the heater, wash it thoroughly. If the rod has corroded more than 60%, it’s essential to replace it immediately. Failing to do so can cause the rod to react with metals inside the heater, leading to leaks, corrosion of the outer shell, and potentially posing safety risks to users.

Why Regular Maintenance Matters

With just these simple steps, you can remove accumulated sediment inside your water heater effectively. Experts recommend performing this cleaning routine every six months to prevent excessive buildup and to maintain the heater’s efficiency and safety.

Regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your water heater—potentially lasting over a decade—but also ensures it runs safely and saves you money by avoiding costly repairs or early replacement.