How to Drain a Water Heater
Properly maintaining your water heater is essential for its efficiency and longevity. This includes draining the tank to remove sediment buildup, a task that you should do about once or twice per year. Performing this maintenance regularly keeps the water heater operating at peak performance and your energy bills in check.
In this article, we look at the factors related to how to drain a hot water heater, including:
Read on to find more information on how to drain a water heater.
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Why You Need to Drain Your Water Heater
Over time, sediment and mineral deposits accumulate at the bottom of your water heater’s tank. This buildup can cause your water heater to work harder than it should, increasing the risk of overheating and potentially leading to damage or even failure. In addition, the water heater must use more energy to heat the same amount of water. This drives up your energy bill.
By draining your water heater regularly, you can effectively remove this sediment, minimizing the risk of overheating and erosion. Ultimately, this helps maintain a consistent supply of hot water, promotes efficiency, and helps you avoid more costly repairs in the future.
How Often Should I Drain My Water Heater?
As a general rule, you should commit to draining your water heater at least once per year. This helps prevent sediment buildup at the bottom of the unit where the heating element sits.
However, some homeowners must drain their water heater more often. In Tucson, where the groundwater is naturally hard, many people find that their water heaters accumulate sediment more quickly. To keep their units running efficiently, homeowners often drain their water heaters every six months.
What You’ll Need to Drain Your Water Heater
To drain your water heater, you’ll need to have several tools and supplies on hand. These include:
- Garden Hose: To attach to the drain valve and direct the water to a safe drainage location.
- Flathead Screwdriver: To open the drain valve.
- Adjustable Wrench: To help loosen or tighten connections.
- Bucket: To catch residual water when you remove the hose.
- Towels: To clean up leaks or spills.
- Gloves: To protect your hands from sharp edges or hot water.
- Plumber’s Tape: To reseal any connections, if necessary.
Additionally, it may be beneficial to have a wet/dry vac on hand to clean the tank more thoroughly if there’s significant sediment buildup.
Step-By-Step Guide for Draining a Water Heater
To drain the water heater, follow these steps:
- Turn off the water heater by shutting off the power or gas supply.
- Shut off the cold water supply to the tank by closing the cold water supply valve at the top of the water heater.
- Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and direct it to a safe drainage area.
- Open the pressure relief valve and drain valve. Be careful, as the water that comes out may be very hot.
- Flush the tank if there’s a significant amount of sediment buildup.
- Close the drain valve.
- Remove the garden hose.
- Open the cold water valve to refill the tank.
- Restore power and water.
When to Call a Professional
When it comes to performing maintenance on a major appliance in your home, it’s best to leave the chore to the professionals.
Experienced plumbers know how to safely handle high water temperatures involved in draining a water heater, reducing their risk of burns or other injuries, and they have the right tools and knowledge to perform the task without causing damage.
Professionals can also identify potential problems, such as leaks in the tank or around valve seals, and they can remove all sediment from the tank to ensure it's clean.
Need to Drain Your Water Heater? Contact Advantage Air.
If you’re ready to schedule water heater maintenance, contact our trustworthy and highly trained technicians for fast, convenient scheduling today.
Our technicians aren’t paid on commission, so we’ll never upsell you, and fair and honest pricing ensures you receive the best value for your money. With a 100% satisfaction guarantee, we’re committed to maintaining your home’s comfort and efficiency.