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

Part of caring for your Indianapolis home involves regular upkeep of your appliances, and your water heater is no exception. At Mister Water Heater, we’ve seen time and again that regular water heater maintenance can significantly enhance a unit’s efficiency and lifespan, enabling you to save substantially on potential repair or replacement costs. One helpful tip is to drain your water heater every year, but how do you do that? Here are five steps for getting the job done.

Why Is Draining a Water Heater Necessary?

Don’t underestimate the importance of water heater maintenance. You don’t want sediment to build up in the bottom of your water heater. Draining it can help remove the minerals and debris in the unit that can impact how it functions. Regularly draining your water heater can boost the unit’s efficiency and prolong its life, saving you a handful on both water heater repair and replacement costs down the line.

5 Easy Steps for Water Heater Care

Note: The following steps are general guidelines. Situations can vary depending on the type of water heater you own. We recommend you reference the owner’s manual for your particular unit. If you have any doubts or issues, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Mister Water Heater to do the job. We’re here to help.

Step 1: Turn off Water Heater Water Supply

The first step in the process is a simple one: turn off the water supply to the water heater. The location of the shutoff valve should be straightforward. Check the top of the water heater for its location and turn it off. It’s that easy.

Step 2: Power off and Cool off

Safety first! Make sure your water heater is turned off since this can help protect your heating elements. For electric water heaters, shut off the power from the circuit breaker. For gas water heaters, turn off the gas supply. We recommend following the owner’s manual instructions for your water heater.

Also, plan to give your water time to cool down. Take a shower or wait a day before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Connect a Garden Hose

You’ll see a drain valve near the bottom of the water heater. Attach a garden hose to this valve. Make sure the other end is directed to an appropriate drainage point. At this stage, turning on a hot water tap nearby may help the tank drain more quickly.

Step 4: Open the Drain Valve

Open the drain valve, allowing the water to flow out through the attached hose. It might take some time to fully drain, so patience is key. The amount of time depends on the amount of water in your tank as well as the amount of sediment buildup.

Step 5: Shut off the Valves and Disconnect the Hose

Once drainage is complete, close the drain valve. Disconnect the hose and switch on the water supply and your power or gas supply. That’s it! Once you’ve finished draining your water heater, you should be good for the next year.

Draining a water heater may be easy, but it’s only one part of the water heater maintenance process. If you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself or notice something unusual about your water heater, calling a professional is always the best approach.

Whether you’re in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Greenwood, Zionsville, or beyond, don’t hesitate to contact Mister Water Heater for comprehensive water heater services. Our team will assist you with emergency repair and replacement of the water heater. Contact us at (833) 270-8502 or request service online today because when it comes to help with water heater care, you’ll be in capable hands with the professional plumbers at Mister Water Heater.