How to Drain Your Water Heater
Every Albuquerque homeowner will be faced with draining their water heater at some point in time. Those living in apartment complexes or other maintained homes may not have to get their hands dirty, but most every Albuquerque homeowner will have to drain their water heater multiple times.
Replacing a water heater or any of its related water lines is a far more difficult task to handle, situations where plumbers should almost always be called.
Turn Water and Power Connections Off
Look in nearby laundry rooms, sheds, garages, or closets to find the breaker box and water heater. Usually they are in the same area, but they shouldn’t be difficult to find. Look for the breaker box first, and ensure the switch flipped is to the water heater.
Don’t be afraid to turn off more switches than necessary — getting shocked is no fun, and sometimes fatal. The water valve is on top of the water heater. If it is difficult to turn, try using a calcium-based cleaner to remove any stubborn stains.
Connect the Drain Hose
Locating a spot to dump the water heater’s contents is sometimes difficult in situations where neighbors are close by, so purchasing an extra hose or two is recommended for hose lengths in question.
Unless the water heater has been disconnected for at least 24 hours, don’t risk touching the hot water — more hoses is always better. There is usually a fair amount of sediment in the drainage, so simply avoid the water.
Once the hose is connected and in place, turn on a nearby sink’s hot water. This helps the water flow much more quickly. Next, open the drain valve and let the water flow. Be mindful not to touch the water!
Weeding Out Air Bubbles and Finishing Up
Leave the water handles on when turning the water back on to avoid air bubbles manifesting themselves in the plumbing system. After all air bubbles have flowed out, turn the water heater’s drain valve off, disconnect the hose, and turn the power back on.
It shouldn’t be hard to remember that water and electricity don’t mix, but mistakes almost always happen due to cavalier working mindsets.
To obtain a free, no obligation estimate, call (505) 898-8860. Daniels Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC is one of the most trusted plumbing companies in Albuquerque, NM and nearby locations.
