Water heaters are the unsung heroes of our homes—quietly providing us with hot water on demand for showers, dishes, laundry, and more. But without regular maintenance, they can lose efficiency, consume more energy, and even fail prematurely. These minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, can build up inside the water heater, reducing efficiency and causing sediment to settle at the bottom of the tank. Regularly draining your water heater—at least once a year—can help prevent this buildup, extend the unit’s lifespan, and keep it running smoothly. In this blog post, we will explore how to drain a water heater as well as how to flush a water heater.
How Frequently Should a Water Heater Be Drained?
Knowing when to drain your water heater is crucial. Generally, most manufacturers recommend draining it at least once a year. This helps clear out sediment, allowing it to heat water efficiently. However, if you live in an area with hard water and high mineral content, you should flush your water heater every six months to prevent sediment buildup. Hard water leads to faster mineral accumulation, which can cause issues like noisy operation and reduced heating efficiency. For the best advice, always consult your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s instructions, as some models may have specific recommendations.
How to Drain a Water Heater
Draining your water heater doesn’t require a professional, but following the steps carefully is essential to avoid damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide to draining your water heater safely and effectively.
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Shut off the water to your water heater
Locate the water supply valve on the pipe leading to the top of your water heater. Turn this valve off to stop the flow of water into the tank. This ensures that no new water enters while you’re draining it. Closing the water supply also makes draining more manageable and prevents unexpected flooding.
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Turn off the power to the water heater
Next, turn off the power supply to your water heater to avoid any risk of damage or injury. If you have an electric water heater, go to your home’s electrical panel and switch off the breaker connected to the heater. Look for a breaker explicitly labeled for the water heater; if you’re unsure, consult a professional electrician.
If you have a gas water heater, switch the thermostat to the “pilot” setting or shut off the gas supply to the heater. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines in your owner’s manual for specific instructions on handling the power supply for your model.
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Give the water time to cool off
Water heaters hold hot water, posing a safety risk if not handled carefully. After turning off the power, allow your water heater to sit for a couple of hours, giving the water inside time to cool down. This step will help prevent burns or injuries when you start draining.
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Attach a hose to the drain valve
Once the water has cooled, locate the drain valve near the bottom of the water heater. Attach a garden hose to the valve, ensuring the connection is tight. Place the other end of the hose near a floor drain, into a large bucket, or outside, where the water can safely flow. Be prepared for the water to contain some sediment, especially if it hasn’t been drained in a while.
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Turn on a hot water faucet
Before opening the drain valve, turn on a hot water faucet in your home. This releases pressure in the tank, allowing it to drain more smoothly. It also prevents a vacuum effect, ensuring the water flows out more freely.
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Open the drain valve (let the water out)
With the hose securely attached and the hot water faucet open, turn the drain valve counterclockwise to release the water from the tank. Allow the water to flow out ultimately, which can take a few minutes to an hour, depending on the tank’s size and sediment level.
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Flush the tank with fresh water
After emptying the tank, flush it with fresh water to remove lingering sediment. To do this, briefly turn the cold water supply on, letting fresh water fill the tank and push any remaining sediment out through the drain hose. Repeat this flushing process until the water flowing out is clear and particle-free.
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Refill the tank
Once you’re satisfied that the tank is clean, close the drain valve and remove the hose. Turn on the cold water supply valve to refill the tank. Let the tank fill completely before turning the power back on to avoid damaging the heating elements. You can monitor the filling process by checking the open hot water faucet; once water flows steadily, the tank is full.
Avoid Costly Repairs—Let Custom Plumbing Handle Your Water Heater Flush
Knowing how to drain a water heater can be valuable, but it’s a task that many people prefer to leave to professionals, especially if they’re uncomfortable handling plumbing systems. A professional flush ensures your water heater is cleaned thoroughly and allows an expert to inspect for any signs of wear or potential problems.
Custom Plumbing of Arizona offers expert water heater flushing and maintenance services to keep your system running smoothly. With 24/7 emergency service available, we are ready to assist whenever you need help. Call Custom Plumbing of Arizona at 602-866-2665 to schedule a service and keep your water heater in top condition.