How to Drain a Water Heater

Over time, water heaters (both gas and electric) get sediment in them. If left too long, it can make your water heater less efficient and decrease its life span, so it's wise to get rid of it. Draining your water heater will flush the sediment right out of the tank.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garden hose to attach to water tank drain

Draining your water heater

1. Shut off the heating element for your water tank. If you have an electric water heater, turn off the breaker at the main panel. If it's a gas heater, turn the thermostat to the "pilot" setting.

2. Turn off the cold water supply to your tank. You probably have a shut-off right at the tank (on a copper pipe running into the top of the tank), but you may need to turn off the main water supply to your house.

3. Attach a garden hose to the bottom drain valve on your water tank and run the hose to a drain.

4. Turn on a hot water faucet in your home (this will make sure a vacuum doesn't form in the lines).

5. Return to the tank and open the drain valve near the bottom of the tank. (The valve on the side of the tank, near the top, is a pressure relief valve. Leave it alone.)

6. Check the color of the water coming out of the tank. At first it will likely be rusty or dark, but after a few gallons have drained, it should become clear.

7. Close the drain valve on the tank when the water runs clear, then turn off the hot water tap in your home.

8. Turn the cold water supply back on and allow the tank to fill.

9. Turn the power or the gas supply back on once the tank has filled with water.

Tips & Warnings

• Draining the sediment from your water tank once a year is a good way to ensure your tank is working at its maximum efficiency.
• Remember, you are working with water that is hot enough to scald you. Always wear gloves and eye protection.
• Read the manufacturer's instructions and warnings on your tank. Water tanks vary, and on some, it's possible for the heating element to burn out if there is no water in the tank.

[Andy]

on 6/15/2009 If you just wait the grass will come back. You could speed up the process a little by spreading some topsoil and grass seed or if you want it even faster, put down sod in the burned out area.

[dmbassett0221]

on 6/14/2009 I got a new hot water heater three days ago. The plumber drained the old one in the grass and now the spot is dead. Ehat can I do to fix it?

[sumochen]

on 6/6/2009 I think I need a new water heater. I've attached a hose and opened the valve, water is not flowing freely, it is trickling out, I have all the faucets turned on. The problem I was having was white stuff (lime?) in all my hot water coming out. Clogging my aerators and making a bath an ugly thing. I don't know what to do now. I cannot close the valve that the hose is attached to, it seems not to close if I turn it either way - as if it was a push-pull type, which it is not. I'm afraid to take off the hose to examine it because I don't want to chance getting a hand or face full of hot water. Anyone have any suggestions? 626-358-5881

[petergagne]

on 8/27/2008 You may want to have a second person help or secure the hose in the drain with a weight. I did this alone, and by the time I got to the drain to check the water, the pressure had shot it out of the drain, and I soaked my storage closet!

[petergagne]

on 8/27/2008 You may want to have a second person hold the hose in the drain or at least secure it with a good weight. When I opened the drain valve (step 5), the pressure shot my hose out of the drain and soaked my basement.