How to Drain a Water Heater Yourself

How to Drain a Water Heater Yourself

If you’re trying to get the most out of your water heater in Tyler, TX, ongoing maintenance is key to avoiding repairs and extending its lifespan. One crucial aspect of this maintenance is regularly draining the tank to remove sediment buildup, and the good news is that this can be an easy DIY project!

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of draining your water heater yourself. With Mink Plumbing’s expert tips , you’ll be able to tackle this task safely and effectively, keeping your water heater in top condition and ensuring a steady supply of hot water for your home.

Of course, if you’d like to leave this aspect of Tyler water heater maintenance to the pros, our team offers water heater maintenance that includes testing, tank draining, and other tasks to keep your unit working its best. Read on or reach out today!

Why Should You Drain Your Water Heater?

Does your water appear rusty or discolored? If the problem only occurs when you turn on your hot water, sediment is probably the culprit. Over time, minerals from water can settle at the bottom of your tank and lead to corrosion, rust, and clogs. You may need a new anode rod to attract these minerals and help protect your tank. However, regularly draining your water heater can prevent these issues and give you more access to clean, hot water. 

What You Need to Drain a Water Heater

Here are the materials you’ll need before you begin draining your water heater:

• Garden hose
• A pair of rubber gloves or work gloves
• Protective goggles
• Bucket for testing your process
• A screwdriver or wrench that works with your water heater’s drain valve

Make sure you have all of your materials before you start draining. You’ll make your life easier and avoid damaging yourself, your water heater, or your home.

Step 1: Turn Off Your Hot Water Heater’s Power Source

After gathering your materials, disconnect the power source from your water heater. If your water heater is electric, turn off the circuit breaker on your electric panel to avoid any electrical hazards. Or, if you have a gas heater, turn the valve to your “Pilot” setting. It keeps your pilot light on but keeps you safe during the draining process.

Step 2: Let Your Water Cool Down

Don’t underestimate how hot your water heater can get. Allow all of the water inside to cool down for a few hours until it’s completely safe to handle. If you start draining it right away, you could burn yourself or damage your garden hose during the next step. 

Step 3: Connect Your Hose to the Water Heater

After cooling down your water, connect a garden hose to the drain valve located at the base of your water heater. Work carefully and ensure the connection is secure to prevent leaks. Take the other end of your hose to an outdoor area or a location where your water can safely flow without worrying about damaging your home.

Step 4: Open Your Water Heater’s Drain Valve

Once you’ve connected your hose, open a hot water faucet in your home. You want to allow air into the system to help speed up the draining process. Now you can slowly and carefully open the drain valve for your hot water. There is a possibility that sediment has clogged the valve, so you may need to take an additional step to get it moving. 

Step 5: Flush Out the Hot Water Tank

Try flushing your tank with cold water, regardless of whether or not you have clogged valves. It helps remove sediment that’s in your valve or has settled to the bottom of your tank. Just turn on the cold water while your drain valve is open and your garden hose is still securely in place. 

Step 6: Refill the Tank

When your water is finally running clear, close your drain valve. You can now remove the hose and turn off the faucet you opened to get some air flow moving. Go ahead and turn on the cold water supply to refill your tank, then step back and watch. This is a good time to look for any leaks you haven’t noticed before.

Step 7: Restore Your Water Heater’s Power

When your water tank is full, it’s time to turn on the power to your heater. Either flip the circuit breaker back in place or turn your gas valve to its original setting. If you have a gas water heater, you may need to relight the pilot light.

Why You Should Call a Tyler, TX, Plumber

Now that you know the ins and outs to how to drain your water heater tank, you should still consider calling a pro. If you haven’t had water heater maintenance in awhile, give the team at Mink Plumbing a call. Periodic maintenance can help identify hidden leaks, valve malfunctions, or a thick buildup of sediment that needs professional intervention. Remember that trying to handle gas lines or electrical connections poses a risk to you and your home. 

Call Mink Plumbing for Help With Your Water Heater in Tyler!

Occasionally flushing out your hot water heater can help reduce sediment and keep your tank in good working order. However, it doesn’t replace the need for complete water heater maintenance in Tyler. The Mink Plumbing team can help with maintenance, and we also offer water heater repair and water heater replacement services should you need them!

Learn More About Water Heaters in Tyler, TX & Beyond

Check out our blog posts below for some helpful info, expert tips and more!

• 6 Signs You Need Water Heater Repair
• Advantages of Professional Water Heater Repair
• 4 Water Heater Maintenance Tips
• 9 Signs You Need a New Hot Water Heater
• How Long Should a Water Heater Last?
• Should You Choose A Rinnai Tankless Water Heater?