Do you need to turn off the pilot light when draining water heater?

Author: Marie Mitchell PhD  |  Last update: Friday, October 3, 2025

The pilot setting on gas water heaters can continue to stay on during flushing, but electric models must be completely off. This is because of the heating elements electric water heaters use, which remain submerged. In an empty tank, they may quickly overheat.

Is it OK to leave pilot light on gas water heater?

Yes it is safe to leave the water heater in pilot mode while flushing. You do not want the burner to fire while the tank is empty as this can damage the tank but the pilot will not cause a problem. Added: most gas valves with a standing pilot have the temp setting and ``pilot'' then off settings.

Do you need to shut off gas when flushing a water heater?

Step 1: Turn Off the Power Supply or Gas Line

Ideally, you should turn your water heater off for a few hours before draining the tank.

Can I drain a water heater without turning it off?

Yes it is safe to leave the water heater in pilot mode while flushing. You do not want the burner to fire while the tank is empty as this can damage the tank but the pilot will not cause a problem. Added: most gas valves with a standing pilot have the temp setting and ``pilot'' then off settings.

Do I need to open a faucet when draining a water heater?

Opening a hot water faucet will help the water heater drain faster. Some drain valves may be opened with a handle but others require a flat blade screwdriver. Let the water heater drain completely.

What should I do with a water heater when I go on vacation?

Do you need to turn off the pilot light when draining a water heater?

The pilot setting on gas water heaters can continue to stay on during flushing, but electric models must be completely off. This is because of the heating elements electric water heaters use, which remain submerged. In an empty tank, they may quickly overheat.

Will draining a water heater damage it?

Draining your water heater minimizes sediment buildup. This buildup can damage your water heater over time, so it's good to get rid of it. Here's how you can drain your water heater.

How long does it take to drain a 50 gallon water heater?

How Long Does It Take to Drain a 50-Gallon Water Heater? Draining a 50-gallon water heater for larger units usually takes 45 to 60 minutes. However, it's worth noting that these are approximations, and the actual time can vary.

Will shutting off water damage water heater?

Else, if you have a full water tank, and you need to turn off the water for an issue unrelated to your water heater, then it really doesn't matter if you turn the water heater on or off.

How to drain a 20 gal water heater?

How to Drain a Water Heater
  1. Turn Off Water Supply. Turn off the cold water supply valve at the top of the water heater. ...
  2. Turn Off the Water Heater. ...
  3. Attach Hose to Drain Valve. ...
  4. Open Hot Water Tap. ...
  5. Open Drain Valve. ...
  6. Close Valve, Refill Tank, Restart Water Heater.

Is it better to flush or drain your water heater?

It is recommended that you flush your water heater at least once per year. Doing so will help to prevent the potential problems that sediment can bring over time. Typically, it takes one to two hours to flush a water heater. The size of your tank will impact the amount of time it takes to drain.

Is it safe to turn off gas to water heater?

There are a few scenarios when you might need to turn off your gas water heater. These include times of maintenance, interruptions in the water supply, or if you suspect a leak. Don't let your water heater go rogue.

Can I flush my water heater myself?

You can flush your water heater yourself if it's done on a regular basis. This guide will take you through the steps to drain and flush a gas or electric water heater. Learning how to clean a water heater is an essential part of maintaining your plumbing system.

Should a water heater pilot light always be on?

Your unit's pilot light is always burning when the unit is on. If the pilot light goes out, the gas will stop flowing and your unit will shut off. When heating is required, the gas control valve releases the gas into the main burner where the pilot light ignites the gas.

Do you have to turn off gas when flushing a water heater?

It is essential to shut off your gas to ensure that the water is cold when you drain it and to reduce any chance of a gas leak. If your water heater runs on electricity, cutting off power can be performed from the circuit breaker to prevent any electrical issues from arising while working.

What happens if you turn off the pilot light?

You can save gas and conserve energy by switching off the pilot light during summer. There is continuous use of gas to keep the pilot light on—turning it off will help save energy. While it may not be a significant drop in your energy or gas bill, remember, every dollar counts.

Do I need to turn off water heater to drain?

Both gas and electric water heaters often have electric parts, so it's a good idea to turn off the electricity for both types. With a gas heater, you'll also want to follow directions for diverting gas flow. Some water heaters let you set the unit to the pilot setting, while others recommend using the gas shutoff.

Should I leave faucets open after shutting off water?

Pipes: Turn off water supply to the house and drain pipes to protect them from freezing. You can empty pipes by running the water and flushing the toilets after the water has been turned off. After draining the pipes, it is a good idea to leave the faucets open to prevent pressure build up from any water that remains.

Is it okay to turn off water to the toilet overnight?

Shutting off the water supply when leaving for an extended period can prevent potential leaks or flooding while you're away.

What is the life expectancy of a 50-gallon hot water heater?

While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.

What is the fastest way to drain a hot water heater?

The fastest way to drain your hot water heater is to use a small section of garden hose that has a fitting that connects to your drain valve. It's usually the same one used for the bib. You'll need to direct the water flow from the hose into a floor drain, bucket, or safe outside area.

Do you open the pressure relief valve when draining a water heater?

While draining the tank, keep the pressure relief valve open. This allows air to enter the tank, facilitating a smoother and faster draining process. It also prevents a vacuum from forming inside the tank, keeping the water flowing consistently and preventing potential damage to the tank structure.

What happens if you never flush your water heater?

-Reduced Efficiency: As scaling collects at the bottom of the tank, your water heater will become less effective at heating the water in the tank. -Corrosion: If your water heater goes long enough without a proper flush, you could also have corrosion attacking the tank itself, weakening its structural integrity.

Is it safe to flush a 10 year old water heater?

Sediment that accumulates in your tank. (Don't worry! It doesn't come out of your faucets.) If neither you nor a professional have flushed your water within the last five years, Water Heaters Now recommends not flushing it yourself.

Is it ever too late to drain a water heater?

NOTE: If your water heater has been installed more than five years without any maintenance, it may be too late to flush. If the tank will not drain, sediment likely has built and clogged the drain.

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