How to drain your GAS water heater

This short video will walk you through the steps of draining your tank style water heater.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• water heater
• gas water heater
• water heater maintenance
• draining a water heater
• drain water heater
• tank water heater
• flush water heater

[Essanaye]

nyc, I'm not following your question. There is no vacuum on the system when you open the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve, or open faucets to let air in. If you were to coordinate the draining of your tank (for whatever reason) with bath time, shutting off the power source before taking your bath would save reheating the water that you are then about to drain out, which is a good idea! Not everyone has the luxury though of coordinating like that.

[Essanaye]

Stocksystm, I'm glad you were able to figure out some of the other tricks that are used to drain a W/H. Our video covers the basic steps, and isn't meant as a substitute to hiring a pro. We couldn't possibly cover all the possible scenarios that one may encounter. Pressurizing the tank with the drain valve open is a common technique, but it can also end up in disaster if the drain valve is damaged or opened incorrectly. Opening hot faucets in the home can also help, as it did in your case.

[nycDaniel10003]

Why not just use all the hot water via a shower/bath, etc. Then, put the thermostat on the pilot setting, and drain until water runs clear? That way you wouldn't risk putting a vacuum in your water pipes?

[stocksystm]

These instructions are incomplete. I tried Essanaye's steps and the water dribbled out.  I needed to turn the cold water on and off again. I also needed to open some hot water valves in the house.