Things You'll Need:
- Garden Hose
- Bucket 5(Gallon)
- Wrench
-
Step 1
Disconnect the power to the heater at the breaker or simply unplug from the wall. Connect a garden hose to the drain outlet at the base of your water heater. Extend the hose to the street or to a drain. You may also use a bucket.
-
Step 2
Turn off the water supply to the heater. Then begin the process by opening the drain outlet. The draining could take up to several hours to drain depending how much sediment is in the tank. Check the element to see if it is time to replace them. There are upper and lower element. Once you remove the element, go ahead and replace, it will be more cost effecient in the long run.
-
Step 3
Once the water coming out of the hose is down to nothing, the job of draining is complete. Remove the hose and close the drain outlet. You are now ready to refill.
Comments
teachermom said
on 6/6/2009 Thank you for educating me about this. I would have never thought of doing this.
kimarkent said
on 4/22/2009 How to empty a hot water heater is a saver. Thanks for adding the cautions about the pressure valve. 5*
jcoolcash11 said
on 4/13/2009 Great article on how to empty a water heater, I will have my fiance try this so that it can increase the water heaters life. RRCR5*
greatnews said
on 4/8/2009 Great article on How to Empty a Hot Water Heater. I usually just let water run through it for a while. I guess I better check the elements. Whoops.... 5 *'s
penname said
on 4/5/2009 I definitely need instructions like these. I am often intimidated by appliance repairs...but you make this seem simple! Thanks. 5*