If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your hot water heater very often. But when it comes to maintaining your home, it’s one of the most important appliances to keep in good working order. One of the most important maintenance tasks you can perform on your water heater is to drain it. This will help to remove sediment and scale buildup, which can reduce the efficiency of your water heater and lead to premature failure. In addition, draining your water heater is a good way to check for leaks and other problems.
Draining your hot water heater is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the appliance. Before you begin, you’ll need to gather a few tools:
– A garden hose
– A bucket or other container to catch the water
– A wrench to disconnect the water supply line
– Optional: A wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining water
Once you have your tools assembled, you can follow these steps to drain your hot water heater: First, turn off the water supply to the water heater. This is usually done by turning a valve located near the top of the heater. Next, connect the garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater. Open the drain valve and allow the water to drain into the bucket or other container. Finally, once the water heater is empty, close the drain valve and reconnect the water supply line. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.
Understanding Your Hot Water Heater
Before embarking on the task of draining your hot water heater, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with its anatomy and functionality. A hot water heater is a cylindrical tank that stores and heats water for domestic use. It typically consists of the following components:
1. Tank
The tank is the central component of the hot water heater, serving as the container for water storage. It is typically made of durable materials such as steel or plastic and is designed to withstand the pressure and heat of the water it contains. The size of the tank determines the capacity of the heater and the amount of hot water it can provide. Common tank sizes range from 30 to 120 gallons.
The tank has an insulated exterior to minimize heat loss, ensuring that water remains hot for an extended period. It also features a dip tube that extends to the bottom of the tank. Cold water enters the heater through the dip tube and is heated as it rises through the tank.
2. Heating Elements
Hot water heaters employ two main types of heating elements: electric and gas burners. Electric heating elements are immersed directly into the water and use electricity to generate heat. Gas burners, on the other hand, combust natural gas or propane to produce heat, which is transferred to the water via a heat exchanger.
3. Thermostat
The thermostat plays a crucial role in controlling the temperature of the water in the tank. It senses the temperature and activates the heating elements when necessary to maintain the desired setting. The thermostat can be adjusted to suit individual preferences, with higher settings resulting in hotter water.
4. Relief Valve
The relief valve is a safety device that prevents the tank from rupturing due to excessive pressure. When the water pressure in the tank exceeds a predetermined limit, the relief valve opens and releases water to relieve the pressure. This valve is critical in preventing tank damage and potential injury.
Safety Precautions Before Draining
1. Turn Off Power and Water Supply
Before draining the water heater, it’s crucial to isolate it from power and water sources. Switch off the electrical breaker or gas valve supplying power to the unit. Additionally, locate and close the water supply valves connected to the water heater’s cold water inlet and hot water outlet pipes.
2. Relieve Pressure
Once the power and water supply are turned off, it’s essential to relieve the pressure built up inside the water heater. To do this:
| Water Heater Type | Pressure Relief Valve Location | How to Relieve Pressure |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Water Heater | Top or side of the tank | Lift the pressure relief valve lever upwards to release water and pressure |
| Gas Water Heater | Near the burner assembly | Locate a separate pressure relief valve and lift its lever to release water and pressure |
Caution:
It’s important to wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when releasing pressure from the water heater, as hot water may spray out.
3. Gather Necessary Tools
Having the appropriate tools for the job will make the draining process smoother. You’ll need:
– A garden hose
– A large bucket or container to collect the water
– Tools to disconnect the water heater from the plumbing, such as wrenches or pliers (check your water heater’s manual for specific requirements)
Tools and Materials Needed
To drain your hot water heater, you will need the following tools and materials:
- Adjustable wrench
- Garden hose
- Bucket
- Rags
- Safety glasses
Safety Precautions
Before you begin draining your hot water heater, it is important to take the following safety precautions:
- Turn off the power to the hot water heater.
- Turn off the water supply to the hot water heater.
- Allow the hot water heater to cool for several hours.
- Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from water and debris.
- Have a bucket ready to catch the water that will drain from the hot water heater.
- Open a window to ventilate the area.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Once you have gathered the necessary tools and materials and taken the necessary safety precautions, you can begin draining your hot water heater. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Connect the garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the hot water heater.
- Place the bucket under the end of the hose.
- Slowly open the drain valve. The water will begin to drain from the hot water heater.
- Allow the hot water heater to drain completely. This may take several minutes.
- Once the hot water heater is empty, close the drain valve.
- Disconnect the garden hose.
- Turn on the water supply to the hot water heater.
- Turn on the power to the hot water heater.
- Check for leaks.
Turning Off the Water Supply and Power
Before draining your hot water heater, it’s essential to turn off both the water supply and power to prevent any damage or injuries. Here’s how to do it:
Water Supply
Locate the cold water supply valve, which is typically situated near the top of the water heater. Close the valve by turning it clockwise until it’s fully shut.
Gas Water Heater
Step 1: Turn off the gas valve. The gas valve is typically located near the bottom of the water heater. Find the round knob or handle and turn it clockwise to shut off the gas flow.
Step 2: Extinguish the pilot light. If your water heater has a pilot light, you’ll need to extinguish it. To do this, locate the small flame in the burner chamber and carefully blow it out with your breath.
Step 3: Disconnect the gas line. Once the pilot light is off, you can disconnect the gas line from the water heater. Use a wrench to loosen the nut connecting the gas line to the water heater and remove the line.
Electric Water Heater
Locate the breaker panel or fuse box in your home. Identify the breaker or fuse that corresponds to the water heater and switch it off to cut off the power.
Connecting a Drain Hose
5. Attaching the Drain Hose:
a. Locate the Drain Valve: Typically, it’s a small lever or a threaded cap at the bottom of the water heater.
b. Position the Drain Hose: Connect one end of a standard garden hose to the drain valve. Ensure it’s long enough to reach a drain or a suitable disposal area.
c. Secure the Connection: Use a hose clamp or wrap the connection with plumber’s tape to prevent leaks. Tighten the connection securely but avoid overtightening.
d. Open the Drain Valve: Gradually open the drain valve by turning the lever or removing the cap. Note that water may flow out immediately.
e. Monitor the Water Flow: Keep an eye on the water flow to ensure it’s draining smoothly. Adjust the drain valve as needed to control the flow rate.
f. Close the Drain Valve: Once the water heater is empty, close the drain valve by turning the lever back or inserting the cap tightly.
g. Disconnect the Drain Hose: Remove the drain hose from the drain valve and store it for future use.
| Drain Hose Connection | Steps |
|---|---|
| Locate the Drain Valve | Identify the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater. |
| Position the Drain Hose | Connect one end of the hose to the drain valve. |
| Secure the Connection | Use a hose clamp or plumber’s tape to prevent leaks. |
| Open the Drain Valve | Open the drain valve gradually to release water. |
| Monitor the Water Flow | Keep an eye on the water flow and adjust the drain valve if needed. |
| Close the Drain Valve | Close the drain valve once the water heater is empty. |
| Disconnect the Drain Hose | Remove the drain hose and store it for future use. |
Draining the Hot Water Heater
1. Turn Off the Power
If your heater uses electricity, turn off the circuit breaker or fuse. If it uses gas, turn off the gas supply valve.
2. Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the cold water inlet valve at the top of the water heater. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply.
3. Attach a Drain Hose
Connect one end of a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater. Place the other end in a bucket or drain.
4. Open the Drain Valve
Carefully open the drain valve. Water will start draining slowly.
5. Open a Hot Water Faucet
Open a hot water faucet somewhere in your house to allow air to enter the water heater. This will help the water drain faster.
6. Full Drain
The water heater should drain completely in 30-60 minutes. Once the water stops flowing, close the drain valve and remove the hose.
| Water Heater Type | Drain Valve Location |
|---|---|
| Electric | Bottom of the tank |
| Gas | Left or right side of the tank |
Flushing the Tank and Sediment Removal
Draining the Tank
Turn off the water supply to the water heater by closing the inlet valve. Open a hot water faucet somewhere in the house to relieve pressure in the tank. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater and run it to a floor drain or outside. Open the drain valve and allow the water to drain into the hose.
Removing Sediment
Once the tank is drained, you can remove sediment from the bottom. If the sediment is loose, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove it. If the sediment is caked on, you can use a putty knife or spoon to scrape it off. Be careful not to damage the tank’s lining when scraping off sediment.
Removing Lime Scale
If you live in an area with hard water, your water heater may have lime scale buildup. Lime scale is a white, chalky deposit that can reduce the efficiency of your water heater. You can remove lime scale by using a commercial descaling product, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Flushing the Tank
Once you have removed the sediment and lime scale, flush the tank with clean water. Turn on the water supply to the water heater and open a hot water faucet to allow water to flow through the tank and out the drain hose. Continue flushing the tank until the water runs clear, this may take several minutes.
Closing the Drain Valve
Once the tank is flushed, close the drain valve and disconnect the garden hose. Turn on the water supply to the water heater and open a hot water faucet to allow the tank to fill with water. Check for leaks around the drain valve and tighten it if necessary.
Closing the Drain Valve
Once the water has completely drained from the tank, it’s time to close the drain valve. This is a simple process, but it’s important to do it carefully to avoid leaks:
- Locate the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater.
- Turn the valve clockwise with a wrench or pliers until it is hand-tight.
- Do not overtighten the valve, as this can damage the valve or the tank.
- Once the valve is closed, check for any leaks by running water into the tank and looking for any drips or streams of water.
- If you find a leak, tighten the valve further until the leak stops.
- Once the drain valve is closed and there are no leaks, you can proceed to the next step.
Tips for Closing the Drain Valve:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a wrench or pliers to close the valve. | This will provide you with more leverage and control. |
| Close the valve hand-tight. | Do not overtighten the valve, as this can damage the valve or the tank. |
| Check for leaks after closing the valve. | Run water into the tank and look for any drips or streams of water. |
Refilling the Hot Water Heater
9. **Turn the cold water supply back on slowly**. Open the valve gradually to avoid water hammer, which can damage the pipes.
10. **Open a hot water faucet**. This will allow air to escape from the system as the water fills the tank.
11. **Check for leaks**. Inspect the water heater and all connections for leaks. Tighten any loose fittings as needed.
12. **Monitor the water temperature**. Once the tank is full, the water temperature will start to rise. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and ensure that it reaches the desired setting.
13. **Turn off the hot water faucet**. Once the water temperature reaches the desired setting, turn off the hot water faucet.
14. **Close the drain valve**. Once the tank is full, close the drain valve tightly.
15. **Reset the circuit breaker or fuse**. If the circuit breaker or fuse tripped during the draining process, reset it to restore power to the water heater.
16. **Turn the water heater back on**. Set the water heater to the desired temperature and turn it on.
17. **Allow the water heater to heat up**. It may take several hours for the water heater to reach the desired temperature.
18. **Enjoy your hot water!** Once the water heater is heated up, you can enjoy your hot water as usual.
Resetting the Power and Water Supply
Once the water heater has been drained, it is important to reset the power and water supply. This will ensure that the water heater is working properly and that there are no leaks.
-
Resetting the Power
To reset the power, simply turn off the circuit breaker or fuse that supplies power to the water heater. Wait a few minutes, then turn the power back on.
-
Resetting the Water Supply
To reset the water supply, simply turn off the main water valve. Wait a few minutes, then turn the water back on.
After the power and water supply have been reset, check for leaks. If there are any leaks, tighten the connections or call a plumber.
Checking for Leaks
Once the water heater has been drained and the power and water supply have been reset, it is important to check for leaks. To do this, simply turn on the water heater and wait a few minutes. Then, check for any water leaks around the base of the water heater, the connections, and the drain valve. If there are any leaks, tighten the connections or call a plumber.
| Connection | How to Tighten |
|---|---|
| Inlet and outlet pipes | Use a wrench to tighten the nuts |
| Drain valve | Use a screwdriver to tighten the screw |
| Pressure relief valve | Do not attempt to tighten the pressure relief valve. If it is leaking, it needs to be replaced |
How to Drain My Hot Water Heater
Draining your hot water heater is an important part of maintaining your water heater and ensuring its longevity. It removes sediment and mineral buildup that can accumulate over time, which can reduce the efficiency and lifespan of the heater. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to drain your hot water heater:
- Safety first: Turn off the power to the water heater at the breaker panel. Close the cold water supply valve to the water heater.
- Attach a hose: Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater. Place the other end of the hose in a bucket or drain.
- Open the drain valve: Slowly open the drain valve by turning it counterclockwise. Be careful, as hot water will start flowing out of the hose.
- Drain the water: Let the water drain completely. This may take several hours, depending on the size of the water heater.
- Close the drain valve: Once the water has stopped flowing, close the drain valve by turning it clockwise.
- Open the cold water supply valve: Slowly open the cold water supply valve to the water heater. This will fill the water heater with fresh water.
- Turn on the power: Turn the power to the water heater back on at the breaker panel. The water heater will start heating the water.
People also ask
How often should I drain my hot water heater?
It’s recommended to drain your hot water heater once or twice a year, or more often if you have hard water.
What are the signs that my hot water heater needs to be drained?
If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to drain your hot water heater:
- Reduced hot water output
- Water heater making noises
- Sediment buildup at the bottom of the heater
- Rust or corrosion on the heater
Can I drain my hot water heater by myself?
Yes, it’s possible to drain your hot water heater yourself by following the steps outlined above. However, if you’re not comfortable doing so, it’s best to call a professional plumber.
