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Sold by ME. · David Thomas Mejia, Broker · CA DRE #01448424 · Veteran-owned · San Diego County
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Week 2 · January

Flush the water heater

San Diego water is hard. Sediment builds up in the tank, makes popping noises, wastes gas and shortens the heater life. A yearly flush fixes it.

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Week 2JanuaryTime: 1 to 2 hoursSkill: Easy

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How to do it

Step by step

  1. Turn the gas valve to PILOT (or switch off the breaker for electric).
  2. Shut the cold-water supply valve on top of the heater.
  3. Attach the hose to the drain valve and run it outside or to a floor drain.
  4. Open a hot-water faucet in the house, then open the drain valve.
  5. When it runs clear, open the cold supply for a minute to stir up and flush the rest.
  6. Close the drain, refill until the hot faucet runs without sputtering, then relight.
When to call a pro: Leaking tank, rust-colored water or no hot water after relighting: call a plumber. Replacing a water heater needs a permit in San Diego.
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Next projects

‹ Week 1: Test and upgrade smoke and CO alarmsFull 52-week scheduleEvery project by monthWeek 3: Clean the range hood filter and dryer lint path ›

Broker, not a contractor. David Thomas Mejia is a California real estate broker (CA DRE #01448424), not a licensed contractor. Work that needs a California contractor's license should be done by a CSLB-licensed contractor; check any license at cslb.ca.gov. Cost ranges on this page are general estimates, not bids.

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