Safety Precautions:
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Turn off the gas or electric supply to the water heater. This is usually located near the base of the unit.
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Allow the water heater to cool down completely. Hot water can cause serious burns.
Draining the Tank:
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Shut off the cold water supply valve: Locate the valve at the top of the heater, typically with a blue handle. Turn the handle clockwise until it stops.
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Attach a garden hose to the drain valve: The drain valve is near the bottom of the tank. Most valves will accept a standard garden hose.
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Open a hot water tap: This will help relieve pressure and allow for faster draining. Preferably, open a tap on the floor above the heater.
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Open the drain valve: Use a screwdriver or lever handle, depending on your valve type. Be prepared for water to rush out.
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Drain the tank: The water may initially be cloudy or rusty due to sediment buildup. Let it drain completely. You can flush the tank by briefly opening the cold water supply valve a few times during this process.
Refilling and Restarting:
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Close the drain valve and remove the hose: Tighten the valve securely to prevent leaks.
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Turn on the cold water supply valve: The tank will begin to fill.
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Close the hot water tap you opened earlier: Once only cold water flows, shut off the tap.
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Turn on the gas or electric supply: Depending on your heater type, relight the pilot light or turn the breaker back on.
Additional Tips:
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Consult your water heater's manual for specific instructions, as there may be variations depending on the model.
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Consider safety glasses and gloves when working on your water heater.
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Be prepared for a significant amount of water to drain from the tank. It's advisable to have a drain or a large container ready to collect the water.
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If you're uncomfortable draining the water heater yourself, consider calling a licensed plumber for assistance.
For a more visual guide, you can also find several video tutorials on draining water heaters online YouTube: search for "drain water heater".