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.
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.
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.
How much water is flowing out of the drain hose or drain ****?? If you have a decent rate of flow, the heater should drain in about 20 to 30 minutes. If you have been 12 hours, your incoming water is not shut off. Probably the gate valve above the heater needs to be replaced. Replace it with a full flow ball valve.
For example, on a 50 gallon electric heater, if the maximum wattage input is 4500 watts, you would multiply 4500 by . 004; result, 18 gallons per hour recovery. Then divide 18 into the rated gallon capacity (50 gallons). Result would be 2.8 -- or approximately three hours operating recovery time.
If you use a lower volume shower head you get more showers out of the water heaters. If they are the same wattage and you get 2 1/2 showers out of the 50 gallon heater then you will get 4 out of the 80 gallong heater.
When you use up all of the hot water in a traditional water heater, you will often need to wait anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours or more for the water in the tank to reheat. This is why many people opt to switch to tankless water heaters.
After it runs for a few minutes, turn off the cold water feed. Let it drain for a few minutes, then open the pressure relief valve and disconnect the hot water line, this will speed up the draining by allowing air in faster.
It's important to shut off the power to your water heater before draining it, or you could potentially burn out the heating elements. If you have an electric water heater, shut the power off from your home's electrical panel. The correct fuse or circuit breaker should be labeled as being connected to the water heater.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sediment in the bottom of the tank can cause the tank to drain slowly or not at all. You may need to get help from a plumber or service technician if the tank will not drain.
Step 2: Shut off the Water
It's important to wait for the water inside the water heater to cool before flushing as it can remain scalding hot for a long time. You can start this step at night after everyone in your household has no need for hot water.
If your water heater doesn't have any leaks, you can move to the next step: opening a hot water tap in your house. Doing this prevents a vacuum from forming and makes draining the tank easier. Keep the tap open until you're finished draining the tank.
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.
After you've drained your hot water tank, you can pour a gallon or so of vinegar through it. To ensure the tank gets a thorough soak (try for 6 hours), close the drain valve before introducing the vinegar. Before you restore power to the unit, flush all the vinegar out. Keep it at the right temperature.
High Capacity Drain Pumps
If you need to drain your water heater fast, your best choice is a high capacity water heater drain pump. High capacity pumps can usually drain a water heater's tank much faster than a regular unit.
Connect a garden hose to the drain valve. Run the end of the garden hose to an exterior location or into a bucket to catch the water and sediment that will be released. Flush the water heater tank briefly while the water pressure is on. Open the drain valve for a few seconds and then close it again.
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.
Locate the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and direct it to a suitable drainage area or bucket. Open one or two hot water faucets in your home to prevent a vacuum from forming in the pipes. Open the drain valve and allow the water to flow out.
A 50-gallon water heater tank takes about 40 minutes to become operational: 20 minutes to refill, and an additional 20 minutes to heat water. However, if we've installed a new on-demand water heater (with no storage tank) it will provide hot water instantly.