How to Drain Your Water Heater

Being able to drain a water heater is something every Reading homeowner should know how to do. Draining a water heater is remarkably simple and knowing how to, comes in handy.

Any time a water heater requires repair or replacement, it must be drained. Also, sediment that accumulates near the bottom of the reservoir needs to be flushed every year or two to increase operational efficiency, marking the importance of learning to draining the water heater.

Locating the Drain Valve and Breaker Box

The most difficult part of draining the water heater is arguably locating the water heater and breaker box.

Some Reading homeowners live in larger homes or ones in which water heaters are covered, placed outside, or in a small, nondescript closet.

Flip the breaker for the water heater first, then shut the drain valve off at the top of the tank. Make sure to cut the power supply first — electrocution is a real threat and should be accounted for.

Select a Suitable Drainage Point

Find an area with no low spots more than fifty feet away from the home. Septic damage and backed-up lawns can result from excessive inflows of water, so make sure to have a safe place to dump.

Be mindful of neighbors’ land and personal property, as the contents of a water heater could seriously damage the foundation of improperly built sheds or other free-standing rooms.

Drain the Water Heater

Connect the hose to the drain valve, roll it to the drainage point, and let the water flow. The water heater will drain much faster if a nearby sink’s hot water line is turned on, and will help remove air pockets from the plumbing system.

Be careful not to leak water inside. The contents of a water heater take hours to fully cool off, and can remain scalding hot for more than four hours after disconnecting the water heater. Secure connections in the drainage hose as to prevent leaks. It’s always best to prevent problems before opening the drain valve.

Finish the Job

Lay a towel, pot, or pan below the drain valve and disconnect the hose, as water sometimes spills during disconnection. Roll the hose outside towards the dumping point to run any lingering water out of the hose. Turn the cold water supply and flip the breaker on, and the job’s complete!

For help repairing or replacing your water heater, call The Plumbing Works at (610) 929-8860 for plumbing assistance near Reading, PA area.