How to drain a water heater

How to Drain Your Hot Water Heater

Contact a licensed plumber if you are unfamiliar with any of the steps below. Note: the estimated time for this procedure is 3-6 hours, for which hot water will not be available.

1) Turn the water heater tank off and wait two hours to allow your heater to cool down.

2) Close cold water supply valve and the gas valve.

3) Connect a hose to the drain valve hose bibb and place the other hose end into a floor drain, sump pump pit, or outside area where water may flow freely. Caution: hot water may still be released from the drain hose; keep away from children and pets

4) Open up the hot water tap of any faucet in the home and then open the drain valve.

5) Allow the tank to completely drain. Note: If the drain valve clogs, slowly open the cold water supply valve to allow the supply pressure to remove the clog. If problem persists, contact licensed plumber.