How to Drain Your Water Heater [ Step by Step Intructions]

Draining your water heater once a year is a good idea, especially if it has gotten slower and less efficient. Minerals like magnesium and calcium (build-up) can reduce your water heater’s effectiveness. In Arizona, this is especially important, as water contains high mineral content, making it “hard water”. Though draining a water heater is considered an easy DIY project, the water and pipes connected to your heater will be very hot! 

Please proceed with extreme caution:


  1. Turn off gas or electricity to your water heater.
  2. Following the manufacturer’s instruction manual, turn off the water heater. If it is a gas heater, that means turning the gas control knob to the “Pilot” position. If it is electric, turn off the circuit breaker at the main breaker panel and disconnect the electrical power supply.
  3. Shut off water supply. Turn off the cold-water supply valve to the water heater, which involves manually tuning a water valve 90 degrees.
  4. Allow the water in your water heater to cool down.
  5. Turn on a nearby faucet’s hot water knob and leave it while you’re draining the water heater. This will prevent a vacuum from forming in the lines and allow air into the water heater, which will help your water heater drain faster.
  6. Open the pressure relief valve. This is usually located at the top of the tank. You can open the valve by pulling up on it.
  7. After putting on your protective gloves, attach a hose to the drain valve and run the hose either to a drain, driveway, or water bucket. Use adjustable pliers to tighten the hose if you see any leaks at the connection.
  8. Open the drain valve to drain the water heater tank. You can open/loosen the drain valve with a flathead screwdriver and allow the water in the tank to be drained. After the drain is empty, turn on the cold-water valve for a couple minutes to flush out the last remaining sediments.
  9. Close the drain valve and pressure relief valve. After closing the drain valve and pressure relief valve, allow the cold water to continue filling up the water heater.
  10. Turn the water heater back on.

*Follow the manufacturer’s instruction menu to relight the pilot or turn on the electricity to your water heater.

If you do not feel comfortable draining your own water heater, you can always call for a plumber. ELA Home Repairs provide free referrals for a free licensed, bonded, and insured technician. Call 800-368-7767 for a free referral today!

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