Draining your water heater regularly allows it to work more efficiently and last longer. To drain your water heater:

  • Turn off power or gas to hot water heater.
  • Close cold water supply valve to water heater.
  • Attach garden hose to drain spigot on water heater.
  • Run hose outside.
  • Open drain valve spigot on water heater.
  • Open pressure relief valve on water heater.
  • Allow water heater to drain.
  • Close water heater drain spigot.
  • Close pressure relief valve.
  • Detach garden hose from spigot.
  • Open cold water supply valve to water heater.
  • Allow hot water heater to refill.
  • Relight gas pilot light and turn on water heater, or turn power back on to electric water heater.

Watch the video above to find out more.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Draining a water heater regularly is the best way to extend its life and ensure efficiency. Begin by turning off the power or pilot light. Turn off the valve supplying water to the top of unit, and connect a garden hose to the drain spigot at the bottom. Once you open the drain, you’ll need to flip the pressure relief valve on the top or side of the heater to release the vacuum so the water will drain. Once the draining water has removed the sediment in the tank, you can close the drain, turn back on the water, and restore the power.


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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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