Guide for Draining Your Water Heater

A Step-by-Step Guide for Draining Your Water Heater

Tank water heaters are a dependable way to supply your home with hot water quickly. A storage tank makes sure that some hot water is constantly accessible. However, with time, other materials could accumulate in the storage tank. This could be a pipe crack, silt, or mineral buildup coming from the main water line. Whatever its cause, this accumulation can make water heaters less effective. In extreme circumstances, it may obstruct drainage and potentially result in premature failure.

Before You Start...

Turn off the cold water supply before you begin draining the tank. Your water heater and the main water line are connected via the supply valve. The only source of drinkable water for your home comes from the water main unless you have access to a well (in which case you might need to drain the tank more frequently). By keeping the valve closed, you can entirely empty the tank because no more water will be able to enter it.

Last but not least, a screwdriver will enable you to remove obstinate screws or valves. Unless you notice a problem with the water heater or related plumbing, you shouldn't require any further tools. It could be recommended to then get in touch with a licensed Virginia plumber at that moment.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water Heater

The water heater itself can be turned off once the water supply has been cut off. For natural gas water heaters, this should be on the thermostat, and for electric types, it should be controlled by a breaker switch. Gas water heaters can keep their pilot lights on while being flushed, but electric water heaters must be totally turned off. This is a result of the submerged heating elements used in electric water heaters. They can overheat quite quickly in an empty tank. Review the model's instructions as well, because some water heaters require a full tank before the heating components can be turned on.

Water Heater Repair

Step 2: Attach the hose to the drain valve on the water heater

A drain valve is built into tank water heaters, so you can use it to empty the storage tank. Find the drain valve after making sure the water supply is shut off and the water heater is turned off. It might be hidden in some models. To avoid hot water overflowing close to you and the water heater, make sure the hose is well-clamped.

Step 3: Turn on a hot water faucet or other tap

The plumbing in your home employs internal pressure to keep the water flowing steadily from the main water line to the remainder of the building. Before the hot water can actually leave the tank, this pressure must be released. You can relieve the pressure in the pipework by going to the closest faucet or spigot. To release the pressure before going back to the water heater, all you have to do is open the hot water tap.

Step 4: Release the Drain Valve

Keep in mind that there may still be some heat in this water. Open the drain valve and let the tank's water completely drain out. This ought to remove silt accumulation from the tank and direct it away from your house. However, some accumulation might be adhered to the tank's interior. By turning on the cold water supply again, minerals and other materials that are stuck in the tank will be washed away.

Step 5: Re-shut the Valve Before Refilling the Water Heater

You ought to be able to get rid of the majority of extra sediment hidden inside your water heater if everything goes according to plan. To get things operating again, shut off the water supply, remove the hose, and close the drain valve. Return to the hot water tap you opened as the water heater tank starts to fill. You can tell that the pressure is back to the proper levels when cold water begins to flow.

You now have the option of turning on the breaker switch again or opening the gas valve. Remember that some models may require a full fill before the water can be safely heated, as we previously explained. Before beginning the process, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions.

For best results, keep the sediment out of your water heater

Tank water heaters are still a fantastic choice for meeting your hot water demands. Draining the tank every one to two years will help remove silt buildup and maintain peak performance. Consider looking for a water heater replacement in Virginia from a specialist you can trust if you believe your water heater has reached the end of its useful heating life.