How and Why to Drain Your Hot Water Heater

What are some things that you do every year?  Celebrate your birthday, go on a vacation, and visit your doctor for a physical?  Most likely you probably aren’t draining your water heater annually.  Well, you should be.  Here is why you should drain your hot water heater:  Emptying out your hot water tank every year is important because over time sediment builds up in the bottom of the tank.  When there is sediment on the bottom of the tank, the tank spends time and energy heating that sediment before it heats the water for your home.  This is a waste of energy and money!

Don’t worry, it is not hard to drain your hot water heater- all you need is a garden hose.  Just follow these step by step instructions:

Step 1:

Look at the bottom of the tank and you will find a spigot.

Step 2:

Hook up your hose to the spigot. Make sure the opposite end of the hose is being run to a floor drain, or to the outside if possible, or you’ll end up with a wet mess!

Step 3:

When the water first starts to drain, it may be brown or black.  No need to be alarmed-that is the sediment draining out of the tank. Let the water run into the drain until it runs clear.  Once the water turns clear, your water heater has been drained and is ready to use again!  If the water tank has been completely empty, it may take a little while to heat the water-so wait before hopping into the shower.

If you have any questions about draining your hot water heater, or if you would like to learn more about other residential services, please feel free to contact FLAME!