Draining a hot water tank may seem daunting, but it’s essential for maintaining your water heater’s efficiency and longevity. Most water heaters have a large, insulated tank that stores hot water for everyday use. Over time, minerals and sediment from the water can build up in the tank. This buildup can affect the heater’s performance and even lead to costly repairs. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of how to drain a hot water tank safely and effectively.

How Often to Drain a Water Tank

It’s a good practice to flush your water heater every six months. This regular maintenance helps prevent sediment buildup and ensures that your heater operates efficiently. However, if you live in an area with hard water, you might need to flush your tank more frequently, every three months. Hard water contains more minerals, which can accumulate quickly in your tank. Keeping your water heater clean not only improves its performance but can also extend its lifespan.

Tools You Will Need

Before you start the draining process, gather a few essential tools:

• Garden Hose: A 3-4 foot long piece of garden hose will help direct the water safely.
• Hose Fitting: This connects the hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
• Bucket or Floor Drain: You’ll need this to catch the water as it drains.

If you have a gas water heater, make sure to switch off the gas supply and extinguish the pilot light before beginning. For electric water heaters, unplug the unit or trip the circuit breaker to ensure safety during the process.

Safety Precautions Before You Start

Safety should always come first when working with any appliance. Here are some important safety measures to consider:

1. Wear Protective Gear: Consider wearing gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from hot water and debris.
2. Check Temperature: Be cautious, as the water in the tank can be very hot. If you’re unsure, test the water temperature by running a hot tap.
3. Ventilation: Ensure the area is well-ventilated, particularly if you are working near a gas water heater.

Taking these precautions will help you avoid accidents and ensure a smoother, draining experience.

How to Drain a Hot Water Tank

Now that you have your tools and safety measures in place, let’s go through the steps on how to drain a water heater efficiently.

1. Turn Off the Power

For electric water heaters, locate the breaker in your fuse box and switch it off. This ensures that no power is running to the unit while you work. If you have a gas water heater, set the gas valve to “pilot” or turn it off completely.

2. Turn Off the Water Supply

Next, shut off the water supply to the heater. You can find the valve in the cold-water pipe above the water heater. Turning off the water supply prevents more water from entering the tank while you drain it. To ensure that pressure is released, turn on a hot water faucet somewhere in the house and let it run until no more water flows.

3. Attach Hose to Drain Valve

Locate the drain valve near the bottom of the tank. It’s typically a small valve that you can turn with a screwdriver or by hand. Attach your garden hose to this valve, making sure it’s secure. Place the other end of the hose in a safe location, such as a floor drain or outside on a driveway, where the water can drain without causing damage.

4. Open the Drain Valve

Once the hose is in place, use a screwdriver or lever to open the drain valve. Water will begin to flow out of the tank through the hose. Be prepared for hot water, so stand clear and ensure that pets and children are at a safe distance.

5. Open the Pressure Relief Valve

To help the water drain more quickly, open the pressure relief valve located on the top of the tank. This allows air to enter the tank, making it easier for water to escape.

6. Flush the Tank (Optional)

You can flush the tank out if you want to clean it further. Turn the cold water supply on for a short period, then turn it off. Repeat this process a few times to stir up any remaining sediment at the bottom of the tank.

7. Close the Drain Valve and Remove the Hose

Once the tank is empty and you’ve flushed it out, carefully close the drain valve tightly. Disconnect the hose and ensure that no water is leaking from the valve.

8. Refill the Tank

Next, turn the cold water supply back on. This will refill the tank with fresh water. Allow the tank to fill before proceeding to the next step.

9. Turn the Power Back On

For electric heaters, switch the breaker back on. For gas heaters, reset the gas valve to “on” and relight the pilot light if necessary. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safely relighting the pilot light.

10. Check for Leaks

After everything is reconnected, inspect the drain valve and hose connection to ensure there are no leaks. If you see any water dripping, tighten the connections or check the valve for damage. Learn more about why hot water heating leaks.

Why Choose TaskPro for Your Heater?

If you’re looking for professional help with draining your water heater, installing a new one, heating maintenance, or any other plumbing service in Surrey, Vancouver, Burnaby, or anywhere in British Columbia, consider TaskPro. Our licensed and insured service professionals are ready to expertly handle all your heating needs. With our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, you can trust us to keep your home’s hot water system running smoothly.

FAQs

What Happens If You Don’t Drain Your Hot Water Tank?

Failing to drain your hot water tank can lead to a buildup of sediment, which hampers the heater’s efficiency. Over time, this can cause significant damage to the heater and your plumbing system, leading to costly repairs.

How Long Should It Take to Drain a Hot Water Tank?

Draining a hot water tank typically takes between 20 to 60 minutes according to myhealth.alberta.ca, depending on the size of the tank and the amount of sediment inside. Be cautious while opening and closing the drain valve to avoid damaging it.

How Do I Know When My Hot Water Tank Is Full?

You can tell your tank is full when water flows out at full pressure through the open faucet. It’s safe to turn the electricity back on for electric heaters or adjust the thermostat for gas heaters.