If your hot water heater begins to run out of hot water sooner than normal, it could be clogged by sediment or mineral deposits. If this is the problem, flushing the system could restore your water heater's normal operation and keep it from any further damage from corrosion.You can flush the tank in less than an hour to keep your hot water heater running efficiently.Instructions
Things You'll Need:

* Garden hose

1.
Step 1

Before flushing the tank, turn off the breaker switch at the main breaker box that supplies power to the hot water heater.
2.
Step 2

Unplug the electrical cord to the hot water heater from the electrical outlet, or turn the gas line valve off that leads to the top of the tank.
3.
Step 3

Allow the water to cool down for about 30 minutes, and then shut off the water heater's cold water inlet valve.
4.
Step 4

Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater and run the other end of the hose outside to a drainage area.
5.
Step 5

Turn on a hot water faucet in the house to allow air to pass through the tank, and then open up the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater and let all the water drain out.
6.
Step 6

Open the cold water inlet valve and let the water flush the tank until you see clear water running from the garden hose; then close the water inlet valve.
7.
Step 7

Shut the drain valve off, and remove the garden hose from the valve.
8.
Step 8

Open the cold water inlet valve to refill the hot water heater.
9.
Step 9

Plug the electrical cord back into the wall outlet, or turn the gas line back on and relight the pilot light.
10.
Step 10

Turn the breaker switch back on to restore power to the hot water heater.