How do and why should I drain my water heater tank?

Draining your water heater tank will not only make it last substantially longer but it will also be more efficient.

If you have a conventional tank type water heater, chances are the tank has never been flushed. Flushing your water heater removes build-up of sediment, which shortens the life span and efficiency of the unit. Water has a huge affinity to resist temperature changes.  This is why a calorie is defined by heating a gallon of water one degree fahrenheit.  The more efficiently we can heat water in the tank, the less energy we consume.  

To drain the unit, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you can’t locate the manual, here are some basic steps for draining most water heaters:

1. For gas units, turn the unit’s thermostat to the pilot position, and for electric units turn the unit off at the main electrical disconnect. This is either in the water heater closet or at the main or sub electrical panel.
2. Shut off the cold water supply. This is usually a valve with a handle located on the water line above the tank.
3. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve (which looks like an water faucet) at the bottom front of the water heater. Be sure this hose terminates at the outside of the house.
4. Open a hot-water faucet anywhere in the house to prevent a vacuum from forming in the lines preventing water from draining from the tank.
5. Open the drain valve and check the color of the water coming out of the end of the hose. At first the water may be orange or brown.
6. Once the water coming out of the end of the hose looks clear, shut off the drain valve, turn off the hot water faucet in the house, and turn the main cold water supply line back on.
7. For gas units you can set the thermostat back to the desired heat, and for electric units you can turn the power back on.

The average residential water heater tank holds 40 gallons. In most cases you don’t need to drain the entire tank, just several gallons till the water comes out clean. Make sure the hose terminates to the outside of the house and nothing is in the way of the drain water which will be very hot.

Frequency: Annually

Difficulty: Easy

Tools Required: Garden hose

Completion Time: One hour

Regardless of they type of house you have, there are some necessary tasks you will have to do stay on top of things.  Learn more and keep up with your house with a free My Healthy House.com profile.  Stay tuned and make your house the best it can be.  

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