You need to drain your water heater at least once a year to keep it working.It's easy to drain a water heater.Turn off the power or gas and connect a garden hose to the drain valve.To allow the water to drain out completely, pop open the drain and pressure relief valves.The water supply should be turned back on.Then, close the valves and you are good to go!
Step 1: If you have an electric water heating device, turn off the power.
The diagram on the inside of the panel is where you'll find the breaker that controls the power to your water heater.Shut off the power to the water heater when you flip the switch.You can see while you are working by using a flashlight or lamp.
Step 2: If you have a gas water heating device, turn the pilot light switch on.
There is a switch near the pilot light that controls the flow of gas.Gas doesn't leak out while you're working on it if you move the switch to the "pilot" setting.The pilot light won't go out, but the gas will be cut off.
Step 3: The water supply valve needs to be turned off.
There is a valve on the top right side of the water heater.Move the switch to shut off the water supply.If you can't locate the water supply valve, look up the make and model of your water heater online and check the owner's manual.
Step 4: Attach a garden hose to the drain valve.
The drain valve is located at the base of the water heater.Take a standard garden hose and align it with the drain valve.Attach the garden hose to the valve.The thread on the hose needs to be secured so water doesn't leak out.
Step 5: The other end of the hose should be placed below the drain.
Run the garden hose to the outside of the building.If the end of the hose is too high, the water will not flow.The hose can be run to a storm drain in the street.
Step 6: To open the drain valve, turn the knob.
A knob or lever is near the drain valve where the hose is connected.To open the valve, turn the knob or lever.It needs to be opened all the way to allow for proper drainage.To help open the valve, use a wrench.
Step 7: Pull up the pressure relief valve at the top of the tank.
At the top of the water heater is a valve that allows air to flow into the unit in order to relieve pressure that can build up inside of it.To drain the water, open the pressure relief valve.If water doesn't start to flow immediately, loosen the nut on the top of the water heater that connects the drain valve to allow more air to pass throughThere is a nut at the top of the water heater.Allow air to pass through and loosen it.To avoid damaging the valves, be careful not to snap or jerk them.
Step 8: Allow the water to drain.
It can take up to 30 minutes to drain.When the water stops flowing from the garden hose, there's a problem.Make sure the garden hose is draining properly by keeping an eye on it.
Step 9: The water valve should be opened for 5 minutes.
Fresh water is important to flush out the debris at the bottom of your water heater.To start the flow of water through the heater, turn the water valve.Allow the fresh water to flow for at least 5 minutes and then turn it off again.
Step 10: The drain valve and pressure relief valve need to be closed.
The hose is connected to the drain.Make sure it is completely closed.If you loosened the nut on the water heater, close the pressure relief valve.The valves need to be closed tight so that they don't leak when you turn the water heater on again.
Step 11: The garden hose needs to be disconnected from the drain valve.
The garden hose is connected to the drain valve.If you bring it outside, dump the water inside so it doesn't develop mold or damage it.Store the hose when you are done using it.
Step 12: The electricity can be turned on by flipping the breaker.
If you have an electric water heater, you can turn the power back on by flipping the breaker.When you are done, close the circuit breaker box.If the power isn't immediately restored to the water heater, try flipping the breaker off.
Step 13: If it is a gas water heating device, turn the pilot light on.
You need to restore the flow of gas into the water heater to turn it on again.The pilot light switch needs to be flipped back into it's on position.