Why Drain Your Electric Hot Water Heater?
Over time, sediment can accumulate in your electric hot water heater tank. This sediment can cause your water heater to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and potential damage to the heating elements. Draining your hot water heater helps to remove this sediment and keep your appliance running efficiently.
What You’ll Need
Before you start the process of draining your electric hot water heater, you’ll need a few tools. You’ll need a garden hose, a bucket, and a pair of pliers or a wrench.
How to Drain an Electric Hot Water Heater
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to drain an electric hot water heater:
Step 1: Turn off the Power
Before you start draining your hot water heater, you’ll need to turn off the power. Find your circuit breaker box and turn off the power to your hot water heater. If you’re not sure which breaker controls your hot water heater, turn off the main breaker to be safe.
Step 2: Turn off the Water Supply
Next, you’ll need to turn off the water supply to your hot water heater. Locate the valve on the cold water pipe leading into your hot water heater and turn it off.
Step 3: Open the Pressure Relief Valve
Locate the pressure relief valve on your hot water heater and open it. This will help to relieve pressure in the tank and allow water to flow out of the drain valve.
Step 4: Connect the Garden Hose
Connect the garden hose to the drain valve on your hot water heater. Make sure the other end of the hose is in a safe place for the hot water to drain.
Step 5: Open the Drain Valve
Open the drain valve on your hot water heater. This will allow water to flow out of the tank and into the garden hose.
Step 6: Let the Water Drain
Let the water drain from your hot water heater until it’s completely empty. This may take some time, depending on the size of your tank.
Step 7: Flush the Tank
Once the tank is empty, turn on the cold water supply to your hot water heater. This will help to flush out any remaining sediment.
Step 8: Close the Drain Valve
Close the drain valve on your hot water heater once you’ve finished flushing the tank.
Step 9: Turn on the Power
Finally, turn the power back on to your hot water heater. You’re now ready to use your appliance again!
FAQs
Q: How often should I drain my electric hot water heater?
A: It’s recommended to drain your electric hot water heater at least once a year to remove sediment buildup.
Q: Can I drain my hot water heater if I don’t have a garden hose?
A: You’ll need a garden hose to drain your hot water heater properly. If you don’t have one, you can purchase one at your local hardware store.
Q: Is it safe to drain my hot water heater myself?
A: Yes, draining your hot water heater is a simple process that you can do yourself. Just be sure to follow the steps carefully and turn off the power and water supply before you start.
Conclusion
Draining your electric hot water heater is an important maintenance task that can help to extend the lifespan of your appliance. By following these simple steps, you can easily drain your hot water heater and keep it running efficiently for years to come.