Preparation Checklist

• A standard garden hose (long enough to reach a floor drain or the driveway).

• A flat-head screwdriver. (unless you have a full port ball valve installed)

• Work gloves (the water will be very hot).
   

Step 1: Turn Off the Heat Source

• For Gas: Turn the dial on the thermostat (the white box near the bottom) to the "PILOT" setting. This keeps the pilot light lit but prevents the main burner from firing while the tank is empty.

• For Electric: Shut off the dedicated breaker in your electrical panel. Never dry-fire an electric heater (turning it on without water), or you will burn out the elements instantly.
   

Step 2: Connect the Hose

Attach your garden hose to the brass or plastic drain valve at the bottom of the unit. Ensure the other end of the hose is in a safe place to discharge hot water.
 

Step 3: Shut Off the Cold Water Supply

Turn the handle on the cold water pipe (usually the pipe on the right side entering the top of the heater) to the OFF position.  Do not proceed with flushing if your water shutoff valve is not working.  
 

Step 4: Open the Drain Valve

• Using your screwdriver, turn the drain valve counter-clockwise to start the flow.

• Pro Tip: To get the water moving, go to a nearby sink and turn on the HOT water side. This breaks the vacuum and allows the tank to drain faster. 

• We DO NOT recommend releasing pressure through the T&P valve.
   

Step 5: The "Power Flush" (Crucial for Battle Mountain)

Once the tank is empty, don't just close it up!

1. Turn the cold water supply back on for 30 seconds, then shut it off again.

2. The "Hydrojet" tube inside your Bradford White will stir up the sediment at the bottom so it can be flushed out the hose.

3. Repeat this until the water coming out of the hose runs perfectly clear.

4. It is best to drain the hose into a bucket so that you can see any debris flow.
    

Step 6: Refilling the Tank

1. Close the drain valve and remove the hose.

2. Turn the cold water supply back ON.

3. Important: Keep a hot water faucet open in your house until the water flows steadily without "coughing" (this removes air from the lines).

4. Only when the tank is completely full and you have no air coming from interior faucets should you turn the gas dial back to "ON" or flip the electric breaker back on.
   
    

⚠️ Plumber’s Warning

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If your water heater is more than 5 years old and has never been flushed, proceed with caution. Sometimes, the sediment is the only thing sealing small leaks in the bottom of the tank. If you aren't comfortable doing this yourself, give us a call—we can perform a full safety inspection before flushing.  If you are unsure about flushing your water for any reason - give us a call (775) 389-7651