One of the most crucial preventative maintenance tasks that can keep your water heater in good working condition is draining the unit. This process helps flush out the sediment that builds up in the bottom of the tank. Draining a water heater improves its efficiency and extends its lifespan. The good news is that this is something you can undertake yourself as long as you know the steps to follow. However, there are water heater problems that should be left to a trusted plumbing repair service.
In this guide, High Speed Plumbing explains the process of draining a water heater and when you should seek professional help from a skilled plumber. We are a top-rated plumbing contractor that offers a wide range of services, including water heater replacement, drain cleaning, and many more.
Step 1: Turn Off the Power or Gas Supply
For electric water heaters, turn off the power at the circuit breaker. For gas water heaters, switch the gas control valve to the “pilot” setting. This is important to avoid damage to the unit or injury while draining.
Step 2: Turn Off the Cold Water Supply
Locate the cold water valve at the top of the water heater and turn it off. This prevents more water from entering the tank while you’re draining it. It’s important to know where the shut-off valve is located in the event of an emergency.
Step 3: Allow the Water to Cool
Hot water can cause burns, so it’s safe to wait a few hours after shutting off the heat source. If you’re in a hurry, run hot water from a nearby faucet to help the tank cool down faster.
Step 4: Connect a Hose to the Drain Valve
Attach a garden hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the water heater. Run the other end of the hose to a floor drain, outside, or into a large bucket. Be cautious about where the water will drain—hot water and sediment can damage certain surfaces or plants.
Step 5: Open a Hot Water Faucet and the Drain Valve
To allow air into the system and ensure proper draining, open a hot water tap in your home. Then, open the drain valve on the heater and let the water flow out. If sediment is thick, you may notice slow draining or murky water.
Step 6: Flush the Tank
Once the water appears to have fully drained, turn the cold water supply back on briefly to stir up any remaining sediment and push it out through the drain valve. Let it run until the water runs clear. If the water doesn’t seem to clear up, there’s a good chance the hot water heater tank is corroded. Do not hesitate to call a local plumbing repair service for an inspection.
Step 7: Close Everything Back Up
Once flushing is complete, close the drain valve, remove the hose, and close the hot water faucet you opened earlier. Turn the cold water supply back on and allow the tank to fill. Once the tank is full, restore power to an electric unit or turn the gas valve back to “on.”
Schedule Water Heater Repair and Maintenance with Mr. Rooter Plumbing
If you need help flushing your water heater or water heater repair, turn to High Speed Plumbing. Our team of plumbers offers reliable water heater services, including tankless water heater installation, water heater replacement, routine tune-ups, inspections, and many more. Whether you have a storage tank water heater or a tankless unit, you can trust the pros at High Speed Plumbing to keep the appliance in good working condition. Contact us today to schedule water heater service with the team at High Speed Plumbing.
