Key Takeaways
- Drain your water heater once or twice a year to remove sediment and help extend its life.
- Turn off gas or electricity and the thermostat before draining.
- Wait 30 minutes–2 hours for water to cool to avoid burns.
- Attach a hose to the drain, open the T&P valve and hot faucets, then open the drain valve.
Quick Maintenance Checklist
- Tools needed: Garden hose, flathead screwdriver, bucket
- Time required: 30 minutes–2 hours for cooldown plus 30–60 minutes for draining
- Safety steps: Turn off power and gas, wait for water to cool, check for leaks before refilling
- Recommended frequency: Every 6 to 12 months
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 EPA recommends that you drain your water heater at least once a year.
How Often Should You Drain Your Water Heater?
Generally, you should drain it once a year. However, you should consider draining it twice a year in the following circumstances:
- You have hard water. Hard water leaves more mineral deposits, which could cause sediment to build more quickly.
- You have a larger household. Larger households tend to use more hot water. This means more potential for sediment to build up.
- Your manufacturer says so. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding how often to drain your water heater.
Additionally, you should consider draining your water heater promptly if you experience any of the following:
- Rumbling or popping noises from the tank during heating cycles
- Discolored or rusty water from hot water taps
- Less hot water than usual
- Visible sediment in hot water
These are usually signs of sediment buildup in your water heater tank. Draining it can help reduce or eliminate these issues, which can also help extend your water heater’s life. After all, the more sediment that builds up, the harder your water heater will need to work.
How do I drain my water heater safely to lengthen its life?
Once or twice a year, drain your water tank to clear out sediment buildup, which can damage the unit over time. Turn off the gas or electricity and the thermostat, shut off the cold-water supply, wait for the water to cool (30 minutes to 2 hours), open a hot water tap and the T&P valve, attach a garden hose to the drain spigot, and open the drain valve to let the tank empty.
How long should I wait for the water in my heater to cool before draining it?
The water in your water heater can be dangerously hot, so wait at least 30 minutes (and up to 2 hours) for it to cool to reduce the risk of burns. Larger tanks need more time. Err on the side of caution.
Can I completely drain a water heater just by opening a hot water faucet?
No. Opening a hot water faucet only reduces pressure in the tank. It does not empty it. To fully drain the tank, open the water heater’s drain valve and let water and sediment flow through the attached hose.
Step 1: How do I safely shut off the gas or electricity before draining?
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: How do I turn off the thermostat on my water heater?
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: Why do I need to 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: How long should I wait for the tank to cool down?
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: How do I check the water heater area 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 an active home warranty from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, you could place a service request and have a qualified, independent Pro diagnose your issue.
Step 6: Why should I open a hot water tap before draining?
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: How do I 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. The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors recommends that if the T&P valve doesn’t reseal after you lift it and dislodge any sediment, then you should immediately call a plumber to replace it.
Quick Tip: Be cautious—if the water hasn’t cooled, it could be hot enough to burn.
Step 8: How do I connect 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: Why should I open all the hot-water faucets in my 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: How Do I Open the Drain Valve and Safely Empty the Tank?
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!
After Draining: How to Refill, Bleed Air, and Restart Your Heater
When you’re done draining your water heater, take the following steps:
Step 1: 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 2: 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 3: 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 4: Run the hot water taps until sputtering stops
Your pipes will likely have air bubbles in them. To release them, open your hot water taps until any sputtering stops.
Step 5: 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.
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.
See the plan agreement for coverage details, including service fees, limitations, and exclusions. Coverage limits and charges for non-covered items may apply.
