Draining a water heater

 

Check the safety valve

Before draining a water heater, check the safety valve, which prevents the tank from bursting due to excessive pressure. How to make sure that the valve works properly? Switch off the water heater. Then snap the valve lever in the cold water supply line. Finally, to minimise the mess, place a bucket under the safety valve. Once the valve is open, listen for air and look for water. 

Run the drain line

Run a garden hose from the drain of the water heater to the outside of the house. If the tank is below ground level, you will probably need at least two sections: one going from the tank to a portable pump and another going from the pump to the outside. If the water heater is located somewhere other than in the basement, gravity should be sufficient. To be on the safe side, allow the water in the switched-off water heater to cool down before opening the drain valve. 

Flushing the tank

After opening all hot water taps in the house, proceed to open the drain valve of the water heater. Allow the tank to drain completely, then reopen the water supply. If sediment slows down or obstructs the flow of water from the drain valve, remove it: in other words, remove the drain valve so that the sediment can flow out through a wider opening. Once the valve is removed, a long screwdriver or a dowel can help you remove the sediment. Keep several large buckets handy to collect the outflow.

Finishing

Once the water coming out of the tank appears to be clear, shut off the supply again. Then close the drain valve of the water heater and reopen the cold water supply. Also remember to return the safety valve to its initial position. Turn off the hot water taps throughout the house and finally restore the supply to the water heater, which is now free of sediment.

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