Draining a Water Heater
Very few homeowners realize the need to drain a few gallons of water from your water heater twice a year. Regardless of the type of water heater you have, gas or electric, water heaters can develop a build up of sediment at the bottom of the tank. This build up can cause the water heater to operate inefficiently, shortening the life span of the appliance. Prior to draining water from your tank, you need to understand the proper way and safety concerns of performing this task. It is very important that when you are doing this maintenance to your water heater, you make sure the appliance is turned off and that you protect yourself from a potential burn. Turn the water heater off for at least an hour to reduce the temperature. Wear thick gloves, long sleeves, and safety goggles, and do not touch the water draining out of the tank.
There are two valves on your water heater. The one near the top is a safety valve that release pressure – DON’T TOUCH IT. The one near the bottom is for draining and the only one that should be opened for this purpose. Connect a hose (garden hose) to the water heater drain valve and set it to drain into a sink, or to drain outside where it can not hurt anyone. Once the drain is safely in place, turn the valve counter clockwise to open the drain. Remember the water is going to be very hot! In a few gallons, the water will become clear as the sediment washes out. Close the valve by turning clockwise and make sure you close it completely so there are no drips. Turn the water heater back on and task is done.
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