how to drain a water heater

So follow these steps to drain a water heater and replace the drain valve. Again make sure to be cautious of the exiting hot water.

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Open the drain valve.

. Follow these quick steps. On a gas water heater the sediment creates hot spots that can damage the tank and cause premature failure. Once your tank has cooled attach one end of your garden hose into a floor drain a bucket or directly outside if it is long enough. Once the water runs clear you can finish your project.

Remove the hose and close the drain valve. Turn the water supply back on to the water heater. On an electric water heater sediment buildup can cause the lower heating element to fail. A temperature and pressure relief valve located near the top of the tank and a drain valve located near the bottom of the unit.

With most water heaters you can open the drain valve with a screwdriver by turning. For example suppose you have a 40-gallon water heater and a 60-gallon unit. This can take anywhere from about 5-10 minutes depending on the size of the tank. The reason this is recommended is to help remove any sediment or buildup that collects on the bottom of the water heater tank due to minerals and other particles in the water.

Draining a water heater can take anywhere between five and fifteen minutes depending on the following factors. As a long-time homeowner Dean has been working on his own home projects for over 30 years. In general the larger the tank capacity the longer it takes to drain the water heater. Water heaters have two outlet valves.

The distance from your water heater to where youll be draining will determine how long the hose will need to be. This will release the pressure in your water system and speed up the draining process with the water heater. He is a licensed real estate agent in the state of Minnesota helping clients with. Attach the Hose to the Water Heater.

Allow the tank to fully drain. Turn the water supply off again. The water heater tank acts as a water filter and the many thousands of gallons that pass through the system over the years deposit all the rust or other foreign particles into the tank. Restore power to the water heater or turn the gas back on and switch it out of pilot.

Most water heater maintenance manuals suggest that you drain a water heater at intervals ranging from six to 12 months. If you loosened any piping at the top of the water heater to let air into the system make sure you. Let all of the water completely drain from the tank. Remember also to return the pressure-relief valve to its initial position.

If possible a sink located on the floor above is preferable. A List of Things You Need to Drain Your Water Tank. Make sure the hose is secure to avoid a leak. Were working with water here and were probably going to get a.

It is for this reason that a water heater should be periodically flushed out through the drain valve provided at the bottom of the heater. Then close the water heater drain valve and turn on the cold water supply. The drain valve is the one youll open to flush out the tank. Find a sink near the water heater and turn the hot water on.

So learning how to drain a water heater and flushing offers a payback in lower energy bills and extended heater life. Before you attempt this be sure to unplug the water heaters power cord or shut. I suggest a stainless steel mixing bowl so that you can get a clear picture of what your water looks like. Turn off the open hot water valves in the home.

Attach the other end onto the drain valve located near the bottom on the side of your water heater. Shut off the hot water faucets around your. Draining the water heater tank.

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