How to Drain a Water Heater

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

Sediment builds up in the bottom of your heater during normal use and needs to be flushed to remove this buildup at least once a year.

Steps for Draining a Water Heater:

• Turn off the power at the breaker box if you have an electric water heater, or if you have gas, set the gas valve to pilot.
• Turn off the water supply valve on the top of the water heater.
• Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
• Open the drain valve and allow about 30 minutes for the water to drain. Opening the pressure relief valve will help the tank drain faster.
• Once all the water and sediment has drained from the water heater, close the drain and pressure relief valves and remove the garden hose.
• Slowly open up the water supply valve to allow the tank to refill. You should also open a nearby faucet a little to allow the air from the tank to escape.
• Once the tank is full and the air is out of the lines. Turn the breaker back on or set the gas valve back to on.

Doing this once a year can help extend the life of your water heater.