Do-it-yourself: Ways to Drain a Water Heater Equipment You will Need: Garden hose - Your Local Sacramento

Many people never give their water heater a second thought till it stops working. One thing that you can do to increase the life of your water heater is to drain the tank annually to eliminate any sediment that can have accumulation inside it. Most water heaters employ a large, insulated holding tank to ensure there is plenty of hot water on hand at all times for different reasons throughout the home. Over time, naturally occurring minerals in the water, as well as sand and grit flushed from municipal water lines, can sit in the base of the tank. This deposit build-up can potentially reduce the effectiveness and capacity of your water heater. It can also plug the drain and affect with ongoing maintenance, which leads to early failure.



Sediment can interfere with burner efficiency in a gas water heater and can cause cracking and popping sounds during heating cycles. Depending on your water source and the mineral content, both gas and electric water heaters should preferably be flushed of sediment every 1-2 yrs to ensure optimal performance.



Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

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



Step 2: 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.



Note: Electric water heaters have to be turned completely off during flushing. Exposed heating elements can quickly burn out if the water level in the tank falls below the level of the hot elements.



Most electric water heating units are connected directly to their own circuit breaker. Find the water heater's breaker button in the main electrical panel. 



Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain Valve

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



Step 4: Open Hot Water Tap

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



Step 5: Open Drain Valve

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



Step 6: 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 start to fill. 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 electricity back on to the tank. Make sure to check the valve opening once it's closed to ensure there are no water leaks.



Caution: Some tanks must be completely full to stop damage to the gas burner or heating elements. Always read and follow all manufacturer's directions and warnings for your particular water heating unit.



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