How do you drain your hot water heater?

Draining a hot water heater involves a few simple steps to safely release the stored hot water. Here's a general guide on how to drain your hot water heater:

1. Prepare Your Tools:

- Gather the necessary tools: a garden hose, a bucket or large container to collect the water, and a wrench or adjustable pliers.

2. Turn Off the Power:

- If the water heater is electric, turn off the circuit breaker that supplies power to the water heater. If it's a gas-powered water heater, turn off the gas valve connected to the unit.

3. Open Hot Water Faucets:

- Open a hot water faucet in the house, such as in a bathroom or kitchen sink. This will allow air into the system and help prevent a vacuum from forming.

4. Connect the Garden Hose:

- Attach one end of the garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater. Place the other end of the hose into the bucket or container to collect the water.

5. Open the Drain Valve:

- Use the wrench or adjustable pliers to loosen and open the drain valve. Hot water will start draining from the water heater.

6. Drain the Water:

- Allow all the water to drain from the water heater. This may take several minutes.

7. Close the Faucets:

- Once the water has stopped flowing from the drain valve, close the hot water faucet that you opened earlier. This will prevent any more air from entering the system.

8. Close the Drain Valve:

- Tighten the drain valve back into its original position to close it.

9. Relight the Pilot Light (if necessary):

- If you have a gas water heater, you might need to relight the pilot light after draining the water. Follow the instructions provided in the water heater manual.

10. Turn the Power Back On (if necessary):

- If the water heater is electric, turn the circuit breaker back on to restore power to the unit.

Remember, draining the water heater can cause the water to become very hot, so take safety precautions and always use caution when handling hot water. If you're unsure about any steps or encounter difficulties, it's always best to consult a professional plumber for assistance.