How to drain your water heater: Easy steps for best performance

Draining your water heater is a bit of maintenance that many homeowners overlook. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I even do that?”, you’re in the right place!  

And if you need any replacement parts for your water heater or other appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Read more: The ultimate guide to cleaning your water heater

Why you should drain your water heater

Draining the water heater tank once a year is a good maintenance practice for most units. It can help prevent the following issues:

• Sediment build-up: Draining the unit helps clear out mineral deposits and debris that accumulate over time, which can lead to decreased efficiency and increased energy costs.
• Corrosion: Removing sediment reduces the chances of corrosion at the bottom of the tank, which can lead to leaks and eventual tank failure. Once a tank is corroded, the entire unit will have to be replaced.
• Overheating and excessive noise: Sediment can cause the heating elements to overwork, which can lead to overheating and strange noises like popping or banging.
• Reduced lifespan: Regularly draining the heater helps prevent damage from sediment that could cause the unit to fail prematurely.

Read more: How to replace a water heater drain valve so you can stop leaks

How to drain a water heater

Follow these easy steps to drain your water heater.

Note: While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, the information in this article may differ from your specific appliance model. Variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model before beginning any testing or repairs.

Step 1: Turn off the power and/or gas supply

If you have an electric water heater, you’ll need to turn off the power at the breaker. If you have a gas model, make sure to set the thermostat to “pilot” or turn off the gas supply.  

Step 2: Turn off the water supply

Shut off the cold water supply to the tank by turning the valve at the top. This prevents more water from entering the unit while you’re draining it.

Step 3: Attach a hose to the drain valve

Attach a garden hose to the drain valve that’s at the bottom of the tank. Make sure the other end of the hose leads to a nearby drain, sink, or outside area to prevent flooding. 

Step 4: Open the drain valve

Once the hose is attached, open the drain valve to let the water flow out of the tank. You can also open a hot water tap elsewhere in the house to help the water drain faster by allowing air into the system.

Step 5: Flush the tank (optional, but recommended)

After the tank has drained, you can flush out any remaining sediment by briefly turning the cold water supply back on while the drain valve is still open. This will help push out the last bits of sediment. 

Step 6: Close the drain valve and refill the tank

Once the tank is clean, close the drain valve tightly to prevent any leaks. Then turn the cold water supply back on and let the tank refill.  

Step 7: Turn the power or gas supply back on

After the tank has been refilled, you can turn the power back on. If you have an electric model, you’ll need to flip the circuit breaker back on. If you have a gas unit, set the thermostat back to the desired temperature and relight the pilot light.

Read more: Common water heater problems and DIY fixes

Troubleshooting & tips  

If draining your water heater is a challenge, here are some common issues and ways to fix them.

• Slow draining: Sediment may be clogging the drain valve. Try flushing the tank by briefly turning the cold water supply back on.
• No water draining: Make sure the drain valve is open all the way. Opening a nearby hot water tap can help release pressure and allow water to flow.
• Drain valve leak: If you notice a drain valve leak after completing the draining process, it might be time to replace the valve.  

FAQs about water heater draining

Get the scoop on water heater draining questions.

How often should I drain my water heater?

It’s recommended to drain your water heater at least once a year to remove sediment buildup, maintain the unit’s efficiency and prolong its lifespan. In areas with hard water, water heaters may need more frequent draining (about every 6 months).

What happens if you don’t drain your water heater?

If you don’t regularly drain your water heater, sediment will accumulate at the bottom of the tank. This buildup can cause the heater to work harder and cost you more in the long run. You could end up with higher energy bills and a prematurely failing tank.

How long does it take to drain a 50-gallon water heater?

It typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour to drain a 50-gallon water heater, but it depends on the amount of sediment present in the unit and the flow rate of the water exiting the tank. The water heater should have time to cool off before draining to avoid scalding.

Can I flush my water heater myself?

Yes! To flush your water heater, you’ll need to turn off the power or gas, shut off the water supply, connect a hose to the drain valve, and allow the tank to empty. Once it’s drained, you can flush the tank with cold water to remove any remaining sediment.

Do I need to turn off the water heater to drain it?

Yes, it’s important to turn off the water heater (power or gas) before draining it to prevent any damage to the heating elements or gas burner. Once the heater is off, you can safely drain the tank without risk of injury or damage to the unit.

Why is my water heater leaking from the drain valve?

This may be happening due to a worn-out drain valve, which is used to drain the tank during maintenance. If it’s not tightly closed or has degraded, it may leak. If tightening the valve doesn’t stop the leak, you’ll probably need to replace the valve to fix the problem.

What causes a water heater to leak from the bottom?

Water heater leaks from the bottom typically happen due to corrosion inside the tank that’s most often caused by sediment buildup. If the tank rusts or has significant corrosion, the only solution is to replace the entire water heater, as the tank itself can’t be repaired.

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