How Do I Drain My Water Heater?

[dmarcantuono]

I have a calcium sediment in my water heater which is coming out and clogging shower heads and faucets. A plumber suggested I drain my water heater by hose which will get rid of most of this sediment. Is this a good solution and how do I do that? Will a garden hose work? Thank you.

[DUNBAR PLUMBER]

The actual instructions are on the front of the tank, but here is some simple ones.




Hook a short hose from the boiler drain at bottom of tank to the floor drain.


If electric, turn off electric at panel
If gas, turn gas thermostat to pilot setting

Open boiler drain, blow out sediment in valve using water pressure in the house system.

Once good flow is established, shut off the cold water inlet valve; this stops the cold water flow into the tank.


Then, start opening all the hot side valves in the house, everywhere, this will break the vaccum and allow the hot water to drain from the tank.


Once the tank is empty, open and shut the cold water inlet valve rapidly to purge the bottom of the tank to remove anymore sediment. Once clear, close boiler drain, allow all valves to bleed air out till running a steady stream.



Turn off the furthest valve to the closest after a steady stream of water is present.


Once all valves are shut off, turn thermostat from pilot to on setting.

[noroomsforme]

I have done this as stated above many times a problem I had too often was with the plastic valves once I opened them they dripped and never sealed properly so I made sure to have an extra on hand. Nothing more aggravating then no hot water in the morning before working. I always replaced them with metal valves they are pretty much problem free.