How To Drain A Water Heater

Licensed Plumbers In Lawrence, KS and The Surrounding Area

Drain Your Water Heater In 7 Easy Steps

Two Blue Duck techs in a front yard next to a Blue Duck yard sign

If you find the need to drain your Lawrence, KS water heater, it’s crucial to navigate the process safely. Injury prevention and safeguarding your home from damage are top priorities. Should you feel unsure about any steps involved, don’t hesitate to reach out to Blue Duck Plumbing, and we’ll guide you through the process.

Call (785) 856-1152

Why Drain Your Water Heater Regularly?

Most water heater manuals suggest draining the appliance every six to 12 months. The primary reason is to eliminate sediment and buildup settling at the tank’s bottom due to water minerals. This accumulation forces your Lawrence water heater to work harder, consuming more energy and incurring additional costs.

Before Draining Your Lawrence, KS Water Heater

Locate your home’s main water shutoff valve as a precaution for any plumbing work, even though it won’t be needed immediately.

Prioritize Safety

Handling scalding water poses a potential risk. To enhance safety, consider turning off your heater hours before draining. Alternatively, wear heavy-duty rubber gloves and safety glasses to protect hands and eyes from hot water.

Step 1: Turn Off Your Water Heater

Locate the off button or gas line lever to shut down your gas water heater in Lawrence. You may opt to attach a hose and flush the water heater briefly with the water on, a step often reserved for professional water heater flushes.

Step 2: Turn Off the Cold Water

Identify the lever on the pipe supplying cold water to your heater and turn it off.

Step 3: Allow Cooling Time

Provide ample time for your water heater to cool down. Working with extremely hot water is unsafe. Even with the recommended safety equipment, it’s more secure to handle a cooler Lawrence, KS water heater.

Step 4: Open a Hot Water Faucet

Turn on a hot water faucet elsewhere in your home. This action releases pressure, facilitating a smooth drain and flush of your water heater.

Step 5: Hose Connection

Attach a hose to the bottom outlet of your water heater in Lawrence. Any standard hose will suffice. Direct the other end into a bucket or your floor drain.

Step 6: Open the Drain Valve

Activate your water heater’s drain valve, whether it’s a valve, lever, or button. If twisting is required, go counterclockwise (left) to open. Allow the water to drain into the bucket or floor drain. Sediment will be visible flowing out with the water. Continue until the water runs clear.

Step 7: Put it Back the Way You Found It

Upon finishing the project, restore your system to its usual state. Close the drain valve, detach the hose, turn on household water, switch on the water heater, and ensure it’s heating correctly before concluding the process.

Get Help With Your Lawrence, KS Water Heater

Draining your water heater in Lawrence is a straightforward task, typically taking no more than an hour or two. Contact Blue Duck Plumbing if you have any questions, encounter unexpected issues, or prefer professional assistance with the job. We are always happy to help!