How To Drain Your Water Heater

Most water heaters employ a large, insulated holding tank to ensure there's plenty of hot water at all times for different purposes throughout the home.  Over time naturally occurring minerals in the water as well as sand and grit flushed from municipal water lines can settle in the bottom of the tank. This sediment build-up can potentially reduce the efficiency and capacity of your water heater.  It can also plug the drain and interfere with ongoing maintenance leading to early failure.



Sediment can interfere with burner efficiency in a gas water heater and can cause cracking and popping noises during heating cycles.  Depending on your water source and the mineral content, both gas and electric water heaters should be flushed of sediment every 1-2 years to ensure optimal performance.  Keep in mind, you may need to drain your water heater more frequently if your water source is a well or if your municipal water has higher than normal sediment content.



Turn Off The Water Supply

Turn off the cold water supply valve at the top of the water heater



Turn Off The Water Heater

For a gas water heater, turn the thermostat to the "pilot" setting.  For an electric water heater, turn off the electricity at the breaker box.



Attach Hose To Drain Valve

Near the bottom of the tank, locate the tank drain valve and attach a standard garden hose to the drain valve.  Be aware that some models may have a cover over the valve opening. Place the other end of the hose in a foot drain or on a driveway where it can drain safely.  If necessary, buckets can be used, but be careful not to be burned by the hot water as you work.



Open Hot Water Tap

Open a hot water tap nearest to the water heater, preferably on the floor above.  This alleviates pressure in the system, allowing water to drain quickly from the tank, much like removing your finger from the top of a drinking straw filled with liquid.



Open Drain Valve

Open the drain valve and allow the water to drain from the tank.  Again, the water will be hot, so use caution.  Once all water has drained from the tank, briefly turn the cold water supply on to the tank.  This will stir up any remaining sediment.  Repeat this process until the water runs clear.



Close Drain Valve, Refill Tank, Turn Water Heater Back On

Close the drain valve, remove the hose, and turn on the cold water supply.  The tank will begin to fail.  Go back to the hot water tap opened earlier.  Once cold water begins to flow from the tap, turn it off.  Turn the gas valve back on from the pilot position or turn the electricity back on to the tank.  Be sure to check the valve opening once it's closed to ensure there are no water leaks.



Best of luck draining and maintaining your Hot Water Heater!



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