Time:

30-40mins

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Materials:

Garden Hose (Suitable to reach nearest drain)

Wet/Dry Vacuum (Optional)

Pony Pump (Optional)

 

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Step 1: Turn off heating source (Gas valve, or circuit breaker)

 

Step 2: Shut off cold water supply to water heater.

 

Step 3: Locate drain valve on bottom of tank, and connect hose.

 

Step 4: Run hose to nearest floor drain, or shower pan, as close to the ground as possible.

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*Note: You are only using gravity to drain the water, therefore if no low-level drain is available, or there is excessive sediment, a "Pony pump" may be required to assist in the process. These can usually be rented at a local rental store complete with hose connections.   

 

Step 5: Open drain valve, then open nearest hot water faucet. This will allow water to siphon freely.

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Step 6: After draining is complete, open cold water supply on water heater. Flush for 2-3 minutes, or until water is clear.

 

Step 7: Close drain valve, continue to fill water heater, leaving nearest hot water faucet open.

 

Step 8: After water begins to flow from faucet, and no air remains, shut faucet and restore gas / electricity to your water heater.

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Repeat annually to prevent excess sediment buildup, efficiency loss, and premature tank failure.