If you want to boost your water heater’s longevity and keep it running efficiently, one of the best home maintenance tips is to periodically drain your water tank. This clears out sediment buildup, which can damage the unit over time.
The tools you will need include:
- Garden hose: It attaches to the tank’s drain spigot
- Flathead screwdriver
- Bucket
- Some time: May take up to 2 hours for the water to cool down enough.
Here’s an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide on how to drain your water heater safely and effectively.
Step 1: Turn Off the Gas or Electricity
For gas water heaters, locate the shutoff valve on the gas supply line and turn it off. Some systems may allow you to cut the gas supply via the thermostat.
If you have an electric water heater, switch off the breaker that controls the heater from your home’s fuse box.
Quick Tip: Always confirm the power source is completely shut off before moving forward—this will help prevent accidents.
Step 2: Turn Off the Thermostat
Your thermostat is typically located near the bottom of the heater. For gas water heaters, switching it off may also turn off the pilot light. If it does, don’t worry—you can relight it when the process is done (your heater should have instructions for this).
Quick Tip: Double-check the thermostat is fully off to avoid inadvertently restarting the heating process while you work.
Step 3: Turn Off the Cold Water Supply to the Tank
This is a step you don’t want to skip. Locate the cold-water shutoff valve above the tank and turn it off. Forgetting this step can lead to a big mess and potential injury.
Quick Tip: Turn the valve fully clockwise to ensure no water enters the tank while you’re draining it.
Step 4: Wait for the Tank Water to Cool (30 –120 Minutes)
The water in your water heater can be dangerously hot. Wait at least 30 minutes – and up to 2 hours – for it to cool to reduce the risk of burns.
Quick Tip: If you’re wondering how long it takes for a hot water tank to cool down, you may want to give yourself plenty of time—err on the side of caution!
Step 5: Check for Leaks
Inspect the area around your water heater, as well as the connected valves and pipes. Any dripping or pooling water likely means a leak, which can increase your water bills and reduce efficiency.
Quick Tip: If you find a leak, call a professional for help. If you have active home warranty coverage from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10), you could place a service request and have a quality, independent Pro diagnose your issue.
Step 6: Open a Hot Water Tap in the House
Turn on a hot water faucet in your house and leave it open. This helps prevent a vacuum from forming in the system and makes draining the tank easier.
Important Note: No, you cannot completely drain a water heater by only opening a hot water faucet. This step is just to reduce pressure, not to empty the tank.
Quick Tip: Pick a faucet closest to the water heater for best results.
Step 7: Open the Temperature and Pressure (T&P) Release Valve
Carefully lift the T&P valve lever located near the top or side of your water heater. This ensures the valve is working properly and relieves pressure in the tank.
- If your T&P valve doesn’t have a drainpipe attachment, place a bucket underneath to catch water.
- Lift the lever partway and allow it to snap back. You should hear a gurgling noise as water exits.
- If no water flows, replace the valve immediately—pressure buildup could cause your tank to burst.
Quick Tip: Be cautious—if the water hasn’t cooled, it could be hot enough to burn.
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Step 8: Attach a Hose to the Water Heater’s Drain
Connect a strong garden hose to the drain spigot at the bottom of the tank and run the hose to a basement floor drain or outside.
Quick Tip: Avoid cheap hoses—they can soften or leak when exposed to hot water.
Step 9: Turn On All the Hot Water Faucets in Your House
Open all the hot water faucets to prevent vacuum locks and help the tank drain faster. Don’t be alarmed if the water flow is weak at this point: It’s completely normal.
Quick Tip: Keep the faucets open until you’ve completely refilled the tank later.
Step 10: Open the Water Heater’s Drain Valve and Let the Tank Empty
Use your flathead screwdriver to open the drain valve and allow water (and sediment) to flow through the hose. Continue draining until the water runs clear.
Quick Tip: This step may take a while depending on the amount of sediment in your tank. Be patient—your water heater will thank you!
Step 11: Close the Drain Valve and Turn On the Cold Water Supply
When the water runs clear, close the drain valve tightly and reopen the cold-water supply valve.
Quick Tip: This will refill the tank, flushing out any remaining sediment.
Step 12: Turn the Gas or Electricity Back On
Restore power to your water heater. If you have a gas unit, don’t forget to relight the pilot light.
Quick Tip: Consult your heater’s manual for relighting instructions to avoid damaging the system.
Step 13: Turn Your Thermostat Back Up
Once the tank is refilled, adjust the thermostat back to your preferred temperature.
Quick Tip: A setting of around 120°F is ideal for efficiency and safety.
Step 14: Close the Hot Water Taps
Close all the faucets you opened earlier. Your water heater is now fully operational again.
Quick Tip: Check for any unusual noises or leaks as it reheats to ensure everything is working properly.
Benefits of Yearly Draining
By following these steps, you’ve not only drained your water heater but also helped extend its life by reducing sediment buildup. Routine maintenance like this is one of the most effective home maintenance tips to avoid expensive repairs later. You should drain your tank once a year to maintain efficiency and extend the lifespan of your water heater.
Want to Protect Your Water Heater Further?
A 2-10 Home Warranty can help you reduce the financial hit of unexpected, covered breakdowns. Because when your water heater decides to quit, it’s rarely on your schedule.
