How to Drain an Electric Water Heater

Electric hot water heaters have two heating elements, one near the top of the tank and one near the bottom. The tank must be drained to replace those elements, to clean the inside of the tank, or if the hot water heater must be moved. The water inside is at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or more, so, if at all possible, let the tank cool for a while before draining it so you don't let any scalding water flow.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose

Instructions

1. Shut off electrical power to the water heater. If the heater is hard-wired, you'll need to trip the breaker switch at the home's main electrical panel. If the heater plugs into the wall, just unplug it. Always use caution when tripping breakers or unplugging devices, especially when they use 220 volt service, as hot water heaters do. To allow the water to cool, leave the power off for about two hours before proceeding.

2. Close the valve that allows cold water to enter the tank. The valve is located just above the water heater. Be sure to turn off the cold water supply instead of the hot water outlet. Touch the pipes to determine which valve is which if you are uncertain.

3. Attach a garden hose to the spigot located at the bottom of the water tank. The spigot is threaded to accept a hose. Stretch the hose so that the other end is outside the home.

4. Turn the valve located at the spigot to open it. Also open a nearby hot water tap to allow some air pressure to help drain the tank. The tank should empty in about 30 minutes to one hour.

References

• The Family Handyman: Replacing a Water Heater
• Don Vandervort's Home Tips: How to Install a Storage Water Heater
• This Old House: How to Replace a Water Heater