Draining your water heater is a household maintenance task that doesn’t take much effort but makes a big difference in the long run. Before jumping to the instructions below, always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific information. If you don’t feel comfortable draining your water heater yourself, call a plumber in Northeast Ohio to tackle it for you.
Why Draining Your Water Heater Is Important
This maintenance task offers several benefits:
- It removes mineral deposits and sediment buildup from the bottom of the tank, allowing the heating element to work more effectively and lowering energy bills.
- It extends your water heater’s life by keeping corrosion at bay.
- It improves water quality by eliminating particles that make your hot water look cloudy or discolored.
To maintain peak performance, plumbers generally recommend draining your water heater once a year. If you have very hard water, draining every six months may be necessary to keep your system running efficiently.
The Tools & Supplies You’ll Need
Before starting, gather everything on this list:
- Garden hose (long enough to reach a floor drain or outdoors)
- Work gloves (to protect your hands)
- Flathead screwdriver (if needed to open the drain valve)
- Bucket (for catching spills)
- Rags (for cleanup)
Preparation Steps
Before draining your water heater, prepare your system by following these steps:
- Turn off the power: For electric water heaters, switch off the breaker. For gas models, set the thermostat to “pilot” or turn off the gas supply entirely.
- Shut off the water supply: Locate the cold water inlet valve and turn it off to prevent more water from entering the tank while you drain it.
- Let it cool down: Wait two to three hours for the water inside the tank to cool down, an important step to prevent scalding your hands. To save time, turn off the water heater the night before you plan to drain it.
Instructions for Draining Your Water Heater
Once everything is prepped, it’s time to get started. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Attach a hose to the drain valve: Connect one end of a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of your water heater. Position the other end over a floor drain, in a sink, or outside. The drain point must be lower than the heater for this to work.
- Turn on a hot water faucet: This releases pressure and allows the water to drain faster. If possible, choose a faucet located one floor above the heater.
- Open the drain valve: Don work gloves and slowly open the valve to let the water flow out. Some valves can be turned by hand, while others require a flathead screwdriver. Be cautious, as the water may still be hot. The draining process can take a while, depending on the tank’s size and the amount of sediment buildup.
- Flush the tank with fresh water: Once drained, leave the hose attached and turn the cold water supply back on to flush out any remaining sediment. Continue flushing until the water runs clear.
- Refill the tank: Close the drain valve, disconnect the hose, and turn off the hot water faucet. Hold a bucket below the drain valve to catch any water that dribbles out, and wipe up drips with a rag. Allow the tank to refill.
- Restore the hot water: For gas water heaters, relight the pilot light and reset the thermostat. For electric models, switch the breaker back on. Your hot water will be ready to use again within 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the tank’s size and whether it’s heated with gas or electricity.
Is the Process Different for Tankless Systems?
All water heaters require regular maintenance. Tankless models don’t have a tank to collect sediment, but they should still be flushed periodically to remove hard water deposits.
The process involves using a descaling solution and a pump to circulate the solution through the unit’s internal piping. The frequency of this maintenance depends on the hardness of your water, but once a year is the general recommendation.
Schedule Water Heater Maintenance in Northeast Ohio
While draining your water heater can be a DIY task, it’s easier, safer, and less time-consuming to hire a professional. For professional water heater maintenance in Northeast Ohio, trust Kobella Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.
We’re a veteran-owned business with over 15 years of experience, dedicated to only hiring the most respectful and professional technicians to join our team. Count on us to treat your home and family like our own. With our expert help, you’ll extend the life of your water heater and avoid costly repairs.
Contact us today to request service in Geauga, Lake, or Cuyahoga County.
