6 Easy Steps to Drain a Hot Water Heater
by Gerald Johnson on Jul 26, 2017
Hot water heaters are not something you think about until something goes wrong. To safeguard against problems, we recommend cleaning them out every few months.
Draining and cleaning your hot water tank is not just easy, it is important. Over time, sediment builds up in the water heater, causing it to use more energy to heat water. Additionally, the buildup of sediment takes up space in your water heater, allowing less water to be heated. Regularly draining your water heater will ensure hot water at a low cost.
To help you out, we have listed an easy way you can drain your hot water heater.
Step 1: Start by turning the water supply off – both hot and cold.
Step 2: Then turn off your hot water heater. If you use a gas heater, you will need to change the thermostat mode to “pilot”. If you have an electric heater, cut off the electricity from the breaker box. In both cases, make sure that the water heater has been shut off completely to ensure safety.
(Note: Once you have switched off your gas/electric heater, you will have to wait overnight to make sure the water has cooled off completely. As draining hot water is dangerous, and might burn you.)
Step 3: Once the water has cooled down, attach a hose to the tank drain. It will be located near the bottom of the heater. Before you attach it, make sure that the other end of your hose is in an area where the water can drain easily.
Step 4: When you have secured the hose in its place, turn on the hot water tap on the upper level of your home. This will help in draining the water quickly.
Step 5: Open the drain valve on the water heater. This will allow the water to start draining. If the water is still hot or even warm use caution. We suggest wearing thick working gloves. Once the water has drained, turn on the cold water. This easy step will help in clearing out the sediment. Repeat the process until you see clean water running out. If you feel there is something in the way of the valve that is blocking water flow, it is likely sediment build-up. If this is the case, call in a professional plumber.
Step 6: Once the tank is properly cleaned and drained, close the drain valve properly and remove the hose. Allow the water heater to fill up with cold water. Go back upstairs, and check the water. Once you see and feel the cold water flowing, close the tap. At this point, it is okay to turn the gas or electricity back on.
These six easy steps will help you keep your water heater tank clean and in good shape. Routinely draining the tank will extend its life and save money on gas/electricity costs. That is just the beginning, as there are endless benefits of keeping your hot water heater well maintained.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
90188 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
71090 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
70478 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
49749 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
29513 Views
Latest Articles
The Appeal and Longevity of Natural Oil Finishes for Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors exude warmth, character, and timeless appeal in any home. To preserve and enhance these qualities, choosing the right finish is...
on May 17, 2024
Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...
on Jan 25, 2024
Real Estate Development in Asian Cities
In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...
on Jan 25, 2024
Shower Envy: Elevating Your Bathroom with a Stunning Walk-In Shower
Are you tired of the same old routine in your bathroom? It might be time to consider a change, and one way to elevate your bathroom to a new level...
on Jan 22, 2024
Exploring Crowdfunding as an Innovative Approach to Real Estate Investment
The landscape of property selling has been transformed significantly due to the advent of property crowdfunding. This innovative approach,...
on Jan 10, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
![What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire? What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?](http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/uploads/a/admin/construction_47639__e04de.jpg)
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Why Your Second Home Is Not an Investment Property
While people often use the terms “second home” and “investment property” as if they were synonymous, this is a mistake. It’s important to recognize...
Home Repair and AC Repair- Importance of Regular Maintenance
Home repair refers to the process of identifying and resolving problems in the home. It is an aspect of home maintenance that also helps to prevent...
5 Important Considerations when Buying Lawn and Garden Sprinklers
You cannot own a garden and own up to zero maintenance efforts. You have to get dirt on your hands and feet once in a while. Because of this...
Marble Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Marble is a natural stone that is commonly used in construction. Though marble cleaning is not a hectic process, there are some things you should...
Good Home Landscaping: Tool for Attracting Homebuyers
If you are planning to sell your house, you need to consider certain factors. Understand that the real estate market is competitive. There is no...