How to Drain a Hot Water Heating System

Attach a sturdy garden hose to the drain valve of your water heater.

It is important to drain a hot water heating system at least once a year and an older system can benefit from draining every six months. Draining releases any sediment that could build-up inside a water heater over time. Sediment causes corrosion of the tank walls of a water heater and damage to the heating element of an electric water heater. Tank corrosion often leads to leaks that can cause damage to the interior of your home.

Things You'll Need

• Pliers
• Masking tape
• Heavy Duty Water Hose

Instructions

1. Turn off the breaker to an electric water heater. Turn the pilot control knob to the "Pilot" position on a gas water heater. The pilot control knob is located on top of the gas control valve on the side of the water heater.

2. Find the water supply valve that supplies water to the tank. Turn the water supply valve clockwise to close it.

3. Wrap the teeth of a pair of pliers in masking tape. Grip the aerator on your kitchen faucet with the pliers, the tape on the pliers protects the finish on your faucet, and turn it counterclockwise to remove it. Sediment could break loose during draining and clog the faucet if the aerator remains in place.

4. Attach a heavy duty water hose to the drain valve at the bottom of your water heater. Move the opposite end of the heavy duty hose over a drain or to the exterior of your structure. The water is hot coming from the tank and a heavy duty hose can withstand the heat of the water.

5. Turn on the hot water faucet at your kitchen sink to release any pressure from your water tank and allow it to drain faster.

6. Turn the drain valve counterclockwise to open the valve and drain the water from the tank. Close the valve once the tank is empty and remove the hose.

7. Open the water supply valve to refill the water tank. Once water runs from the kitchen faucet at a steady stream, turn the faucet off and replace the aerator.

8. Turn the breaker on for the electric water heater. Turn the pilot control knob to the "On" position on a gas water heater.

References

• Chili Pepper Appliance: Water Heater Flush -- How to Flush a Gas or Electric Water Heater
• Water-Heater-Repair-Guide.com: Drain Water Heater