Being met with a water heater that won’t drain can be frustrating, especially when you’re in a rush. Time waits for nobody, but don’t worry – help is at hand. Whether you need to clear sediment out of your water heater or undertake repairs, this step-by-step guide explains exactly how to quickly drain a stuck water heater.
Table of Contents
Tools and Safety Preparations
Before we begin, ensure you have the following tools at hand:
- A garden hose
- A non-contact voltage tester
- A standard flat-head screwdriver
- A channel-lock plier
- Protective gloves
- Protective eyewear
Remember, safety is a priority. Make sure your water heater has cooled down before you work on it to prevent any burns. Always wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from any debris or hot water.
Step by Step Guide
Follow the steps below to successfully drain your water heater:
Step 1: Switch Off Power
For electric heaters, turn off the power at the circuit breaker. For gas heaters, turn down the thermostat to the ‘pilot’ setting. You can verify the power is off using a non-contact voltage tester.
Step 2: Close Water Supply
Find the cold water supply valve and turn it off. It’s generally located on the water heater’s top-right side.
Step 3: Hot Water Tap
Open a hot water tap in your house. This will prevent a vacuum from forming in the water heater’s lines and allow the water to flow out freely.
Step 4: Attach Hose to Drain Valve
Connect your garden hose to the drain valve at the base of the water heater. Make sure the other end of the hose is somewhere where it’s safe to discharge hot water and sediment, like in a bucket or an outdoor area.
Step 5: Open the Drain Valve
Open the drain valve using a flat-head screwdriver. If the heater is still not draining, there might be a blockage.
Step 6: Dealing with Blockages
In case of a blockage, slightly reopen the cold water supply valve to create a stronger flow and dislodge sediment. Be careful not to do this suddenly or for too long as it can cause hot water and sediment to gush out forcibly.
Step 7: Check the End of the Hose
Keep an eye on the end of the hose. When the stuck water heater starts draining, you will see water flowing out. Initially, the water might contain sediment, but it should clear up eventually.
Step 8: Finish Draining
Once the hot water has finished draining, open the cold water supply valve to flush out any remaining sediment. Close this again once the water runs clear.
Step 9: Close the Drain Valve
After you’ve drained and flushed the water heater, close the drain valve. Remove the garden hose and make sure the valve is sealed tightly to prevent leaks.
Step 10: Power Back On
Now, you should be all set! Turn the cold water supply back on, and once the tank fills up, switch the power back on.
Conclusion
These steps should help you to quickly and effectively drain a water heater that isn’t cooperating. Remember, always prioritize safety and remain patient during the process. If you’re unsure at any point, consider seeking professional help to avoid unnecessary risks.
Good luck with your water heater draining endeavor! Bring on the hot showers!