Open the hot water tank drain valve. Let the water run out the garden hose. This can take 20 to 60 minutes, depending on how big the tank is. Be careful not to damage or break the drain valve when you open and close it.
It only takes about 15 to 30 minutes to completely drain a water heater. A typical 40- to 60-gallon residential tank found in most homes will take no more than 15 minutes. However, larger tanks (80 gallons or more) found in homes with larger families can take longer, usually from 30 to 60 minutes; sometimes more.
Generally, it takes about 30 minutes to an hour to drain the average 50-gallon water heater completely. However, the time may vary depending on the size of the tank and the amount of sediment present. After the water heater tank is empty, it's time to flush it.
This will likely take 30-40 minutes for a 40-gallon tank water heater. In order to get the buildup agitated out of the bottom of the water heater tank, you'll need to flush the water heater with new water from the cold water valve.
Draining your hot water tank removes sediment buildup, helping your water heater perform more efficiently, which can save you money. If the tank isn't annually drained, a hot water heater won't last as long, and the water may heat more slowly.
The longer your water heater goes without a drain-and-flush, the more sediment and minerals will accumulate at the bottom of the tank. Eventually, this causes scaling. Ever noticed that hard, mineral buildup on your sink faucets and shower heads? That's scale: accumulated mineralization.
Make certain the drain valve is completely closed. Open the shut-off valve in the cold water supply line. Open each hot water faucet slowly to allow the air to vent from the Water Heater and piping. A steady flow of water from the hot water faucet(s) indicates a full Water Heater.
Sediment buildup is a common issue in water heaters, particularly in areas with hard water. Over time, minerals such as calcium and magnesium can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, forming a layer of sediment. This sediment can impede the flow of water, causing the heater to drain slowly.
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.
Step 5: Turn on a hot water faucet
This helps to alleviate pressure and allows the tank to drain quicker.
Most homeowners should flush their water heaters every 6 months or so, but if you have extremely hard water, you may want to do it more often. Flushing your hot water heater could be necessary as often as every few months depending on the mineral content of your local water supply.
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.
Turn off the electricity to the water heater or turn the gas switch to pilot. Shut off the cold-water inlet to the water heater. Connect a garden hose to the tank's drain valve. Locate the draining end of the hose in an area that won't be adversely affected by the scalding hot water.
Anode rods require routine inspection and replacement, approximately every three to five years. Without proper maintenance, the anode rod loses its ability to divert damaging particulates from your tank and can accelerate rust and corrosion from chemical reactions, excessive heat, and imbalanced pH levels.
Keep an eye out for debris suddenly showing up in your water. If you notice sediment or any brown sludge coming out of your faucet, that's probably an indication that it's time for a water heater flush. If you see any of these signs, it's a good indication that your water heater needs maintenance.
Over time, the number of sediment increases, leading to problems with the water heater. Sediment can begin the process of corrosion and can clog the valves inside the water heater tank, leading to leaks and other issues. Both of these problems decrease efficiency and can result in costly repairs.
Open the hot water tank drain valve. Let the water run out the garden hose. This can take 20 to 60 minutes, depending on how big the tank is. Be careful not to damage or break the drain valve when you open and close it.
The national average cost to flush a water heater is $160, but prices can vary in increments based on the tank size. A 30-gallon tank will cost between $90 and $120 on average, while a 70-gallon tank could cost anywhere between $180 and $250.
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.
In most cases, all you need to do is turn off the power to the system, turn on the cold water supply by opening up the valve, hook up a garden hose to carry the water and sediment away from the tank and then open up the drain valve and the pressure relief valve.
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.
Refilling the tank
Wait at least 15 minutes for the tank to fill up, then turn the breaker back on (electric tanks) or turn on the gas and relight the pilot (gas tanks). That's it! Your water heater is now drained, flushed, refilled and ready to let the good times flow.
After you've successfully drained and flushed your water heater, it's time to refill and restart the unit: Ensure the drain valve is tightly closed. Open the cold water supply valve to begin refilling the tank.
Water Leaking From The Bottom
If you notice water leaking from near the base of your water heater, it could be an issue with the drain valve. The drain valve is designed to empty the water tank when needed, such as during maintenance. Solution: Inspect the drain valve for corrosion and replace.