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.
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.
Tank to Tank Installation: On average, replacing a gas or electric water tank with a similar model takes two to three hours. It takes between 45 to 60 minutes to drain, disconnect and remove your old water heater.
In general, plumbers cost $45 to $200 per hour, while electricians cost $50 to $100 per hour. Expect the following average price ranges for labor alone: Replacing a tank-style water heater: $150–$450. Replacing a tankless water heater: $600–$1,850.
So a 50-gallon tank would be adequate for the average family of 2–3 children. Other estimates assign slightly more water for each person, saying you'll need a 30–40-gallon tank for 1–2 people, 40–50 gallons for 3–4 people, and 60–80 gallons for 5 or more people.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It will take a unit with a capacity between 40 and 50 gallons, about 30 to 50 minutes to warm up. A bigger tank size – 80-gallon gas water heater will take 60 to 70 minutes to heat up.
If you have a gas water heater, turn off the gas at the source. Connect a standard garden hose to the water heater drain outlet near the base. Place the other end of the hose near a floor drain or in a large bucket. Draining a water heater will take between 20 and 25 minutes total.
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 Buildup is Clogging the Valve
This is usually the most common culprit of a slow draining hot water heater. If this is your experience and the mechanical workings of the valve itself seem fine, keep trying to drain the tank. It might take a while, but eventually flushing out the tank will improve the situation.
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.
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.
Heating elements can gradual breakdown if there is a mineral build up in the heating system. This is because mineral deposits can solidify, encasing the elements and forcing it to work harder to heat the water. This will lead to gradual wear out that will make the heating system have a shorter life span.
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.
If you're looking for a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective water heater, Rheemhas the edge over A.O. Smith. With superior energy efficiency, longer warranties, and better overall performance, Rheem units are designed to meet the needs of modern homeowners.
With a low gpm head and full hot you should be able to get 20 min out of 50 gallons. Now you turn down the hot and add a little cold and you should get more time in a less hot shower. If you need more time you could turn up the water heater and use a less hot water to cold ratio. That would get you a few more minutes.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the typical shower head sprays about 2.5 gallons per minute. If you take a shower that lasts 20 minutes, about 50 gallons of water are used. Some high-powered shower heads can use between 20-35 gallons of water for a five-minute shower.