Q&A for How to Drain a Water Heater

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Where is the pressure valve located, and how can I open it on the tank?

Community Answer

It is typically located on the top or side of the water heater. There should be a pipe connected to it, leading outside or to within six inches if the ground. There is a small lever on it. Be careful when opening it, as hot water can flow from the valve very rapidly.

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Question

I have well water. Is it safe to put a gallon of vinegar in the tank for the 3 months maintenance to absorb the lime? Will this keep lime deposit from forming?

Community Answer

They won't dilute, and the water will taste like you mixed Caesar salad in it.

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Question

Is it safe to drain water with sediment into the toilet?

Community Answer

Yes. The sediment is likely to include a lot of red-brown rust; if the toilet porcelain is old and pitted, some of that color might adhere to the bowl interior. Be prepared to clean that out.

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Question

Why is water still entering the hot water heater after I shut off all the valves?

Community Answer

There should be a valve on the cold water intake line. Sometimes, these are not easily visible. If you found it and turned it, but water is still flowing, you may have a faulty valve. If there is no valve, it is a good idea to install one.

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Question

How do I flush out an electric hot water heater?

Community Answer

Follow the same steps for emptying a gas hot water tank, except rather than turning the gas off, go to the panel box where your electricity comes into the house, find the circuit breaker that powers the hot water tank, usually a twenty or thirty amp breaker, and move the breaker switch to the off position. This step should be done early in the process when draining the tank, and almost the last step after the tank has been drained.

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Question

Can I drain a water heater by turning off the cold water and turning on a faucet instead of hooking a hose to the drain valve?

Community Answer

Didn't work for us. We had to open the release valve on hot water heater as well.

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Question

What if my hot water tank won't drain, even when I have followed procedures?

Community Answer

Disconnect the hose open valve slowly. If water comes out, the hose may be clogged or kinked. If no water comes out, stick a screwdriver in the valve, and be ready to close it. Reconnect the hose open valve and drain. Repeat if necessary. You may need fill and drain several times, and be careful to not get scalded.

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Question

How do I drain a water heater that's plugged and won't drain?

Community Answer

Try pushing a straightened wire clothes hanger up the drain valve to dislodge some if the sediment. Be gentle going through the valve so you don't damage it. If this doesn't work, you'll likely need to contact a plumber to discuss your unique situation.

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Question

Water is coming out of the bottom of a water heater. What's wrong?

Community Answer

You likely need a new water heater. You should turn off the power to the water heater immediately (at the fuse box).

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Question

There is water in the tank, but the water is not getting hot for showering. What is the problem?

Community Answer

Most likely if it's a gas water heater, the pilot light isn't ignited to warm the water. If it's electrical, check the circuit breakers and wiring.

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Question

How do I troubleshoot a hot water heater that won't produce any water?

Community Answer

If you have an electric water heater, most likely the reset button needs to be pushed to reset the heater. This can sometimes happen after a prolonged power outage. Refer to the wikiHow article Reset a Water Heater for more help.

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