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Q: I just drained my water heater for the first time since it was installed back in 1989. The water came out very clean, with no sign of sediment, so I stopped after about 5 minutes. Does this mean that my heater has no sediment?
It’s smart to drain the tank on a water heater every year, no matter what type of water heater you own. Sediment builds up over time within the appliance, compromising its energy efficiency and leading to clogs in fixtures throughout the house. The fact that you witnessed clean-looking water come out of your tank does not necessarily mean you’re in the clear. To remove sediment, you must drain a water heater not just for five minutes, but for as long as it takes to empty out completely.
In the future, follow these steps to drain a water heater:
Step 1: Check the pressure-relief valve.
Before you drain a water heater, check its pressure-relief valve, the means by which the tank keeps from bursting due to excess pressure.
How do you ensure that the valve is functioning properly? Switch off the power to the water heater. (If the unit runs on electricity, simply turn it off. If it burns gas, then switch the heater over to “pilot” mode.) Next, trip the lever on the valve in the cold water supply line. Finally, to minimize mess, position a bucket under the pressure-relief valve. Once you have opened the valve, listen for air and look for water. If you experience either, that means the valve is working as designed and you proceed to the next step. (Note that if you open the pressure-release valve and nothing happens—no hissing air, no dripping water—then it probably needs to be replaced.)
Tried-and-True Advice
“When draining my water heater, I found that attaching a clear section of tubing between the tank’s drain valve and the garden hose makes it easier to check the water flow and sediment. The transparent tubing lets you clearly see when sediment starts or stops flowing out of the tank, so you know when the tank is actually clear. It’s an inexpensive addition that eliminates guesswork and makes sure you get a thorough flush.”
—Paul Rankin, Contributing Writer
Step 2: Run your drain line.
Run a garden hose from the water heater drain to the exterior of your home. If the tank sits below grade (say, in the basement), you’ll likely need at least two lengths: One that runs from the tank to a portable pump, plus another that runs from the pump to the outdoors. If your water heater is located anywhere besides the basement, then gravity ought to do the trick. To be on the safe side, give the water in the switched-off heater ample time to cool down (allot several hours) before opening the drain valve. Note that taking a long, hot shower proves an effective strategy for speeding up this part of the draining process!
Step 3: Flush your tank.
After opening all the hot water faucets around your house, proceed to open the water heater drain valve. (Now is the time to activate your pump, if you’ve chosen to use one.) Let the tank drain completely, then turn on the water supply (short bursts of water may help to dislodge any sediment buildup). If sediment slows or obstructs the flow of water from the drain valve, get it out of the way: In other words, remove the drain valve, so the sediment can exit through a larger opening. With the valve removed, a long screwdriver or dowel may assist you in dislodging sediment. Keep several large buckets on hand to capture the outflow.
Step 4: Shut off the faucets and restore power to the water heater.
Once the water coming out of your tank appears to be running clear, turn the supply off once more. Then close the water heater drain valve and turn on the cold water supply. Remember also to return the pressure-relief valve to its initial position. Shut off the hot water faucets around your house (which you had turned on in Step 3) and, finally, restore the power to your water heater, which is now free of sediment.
Is it time to replace your water heater? Our researched guide to the best hot water heaters can help you make the right choice for your household.
