DIY: How to Drain a Water Heater Tools You will Need: Garden hose - Your Local Folsom

A lot of people never give their water heater a second thought right up until it breaks down. One thing that you can do to increase the life of the water heater is to drain the tank annually to get rid of any sediment that can have build up inside it. Most water heating units employ a large, insulated holding tank to ensure there's plenty of hot water on hand at all times for various purposes throughout the home. Over time, naturally occurring minerals in the water, as well as sand and grit flushed from municipal water lines, can settle in the base of the tank. This deposit build-up may potentially decrease the effectiveness and volume of your water heater. It can also plug the drain and interfere with ongoing maintenance, which leads to early failure.

Sediment can interfere with burner performance in a gas water heater and can produce cracking and popping noises during heating cycles. Depending on your water source and the mineral content, both gas and electric water heaters should preferably be flushed of deposit every 1-2 years to ensure optimal performance.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Turn off the cold water supply valve at the top of the water heater

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Heater
For a gas water heater, turn the thermostat to the "pilot" setting.

For an electric water heater, turn off the electricity at the breaker box.

Note: Electric water heaters have to be turned completely off during flushing. Exposed heating elements can very quickly burn out if the water level in the tank drops below the level of the hot elements.

Most electric water heating units are connected directly to their own circuit breaker. Locate the water heater's breaker button in the main electrical panel. 

Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain Valve
Near the base of the tank, locate the tank drain valve and attach a standard garden hose to the drain valve. Be advised that a few devices may have a cover over the valve opening. Place the other end of the garden hose in a floor drain or on a driveway where it can drain safely. If required, pails can be used, but be careful not to be burned by the hot water as you work.

Step 4: Open Hot Water Tap
Open a hot water tap closest to the water heater, preferably on the floor above. This alleviates pressure in the system, enabling the water to drain rapidly from the tank, much like removing your finger from the top of a drinking straw filled with liquid.

Step 5: Open Drain Valve
Open the drain valve and allow the water to empty from the tank. Again, the water will be hot, so use extreme caution. Once all water has emptied from the tank, quickly turn the cold water supply on to the tank. This will stir up any remaining sediment. Repeat this procedure until the water runs clear.

Step 6: Close Drain Valve, Refill Tank, Turn Water Heater Back On
Close the drain valve, remove the hose, and turn on the cold water supply. The tank will start to fill. Go back to the hot water tap opened earlier. Once cold water starts to flow from the tap, turn it off. Turn the gas valve back on from the pilot position or turn electricity back on to the tank. Make sure to check the valve opening once it's closed to make sure there are no water leaks.

Caution: Some tanks must be completely full to avoid damage to the gas burner or heating elements. Always read and follow all manufacturer's instructions and warnings for your particular water heating unit.

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