How do I drain my water heater?

Draining your water heater is a straightforward maintenance task that should be done annually to remove sediment buildup and extend the unit's lifespan. Most homeowners can handle this themselves with basic tools and safety precautions.

Start by turning off the power supply - flip the breaker for electric units or turn the gas valve to "pilot" for gas water heaters. Next, shut off the cold water supply valve at the top of the tank. Allow the water to cool for several hours before proceeding, as hot water can cause serious burns.

Connect a garden hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the tank. Run the hose to a floor drain, outside, or into a large container. The drain valve looks like a standard hose bib and may require pliers to turn if it's stiff from mineral buildup. Open a hot water faucet somewhere in your home to allow air into the system - this prevents a vacuum and helps the tank drain faster.

Open the drain valve and let the water flow out completely. The first water will likely be discolored with sediment - this is normal and exactly what you want to flush out. In Ottawa's hard water areas, you might see significant mineral deposits. Once the tank is empty, briefly turn the cold water supply back on to help flush out remaining sediment, then turn it off again.

To refill, close the drain valve, remove the hose, and turn the cold water supply back on. Keep that hot water faucet open until water flows steadily (no air sputtering), then close it. Finally, restore power to the unit. If you have an older water heater or encounter any leaks during this process, it's wise to have Ottawa Pro Plumbing inspect the unit, as drain valves can fail and may need replacement.

For a professional water heater inspection or if you're uncomfortable performing this maintenance yourself, request a quote from Ottawa Pro Plumbing - we service water heaters throughout Ottawa and can handle annual maintenance to keep your system running efficiently.