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Hot Water System Drainage Guide
One of the ways to keep your hot water heater running efficiently is by draining its tank. This process can be repeated once a year, depending on how much use your hot water heater gets. If you use it regularly and have high utility bills, drain your tank more often.
By emptying your tank regularly, you will avoid sediment build-up and mineral deposits that can clog up the bottom of your heater. This is an inexpensive way to ensure your hot water heater is running efficiently throughout the year, and it only requires minimal time and effort.
Steps To Drain Your Hot Water System
Draining your water heater takes less than an hour and can save you a ton of money in utility bills down the road. Before you begin, it is essential to disconnect the water supply and drain the tank completely.
Turn off the water supply
You'll need to turn off your water supply going into your hot water heater. This is usually located near your water meter or where your plumbing lines enter your home. If you are unaware of how to accomplish this, call a licensed plumber for assistance.
Open an outside faucet
Next, open a faucet outside your home so that air can be vented from inside the pipes when you drain them. This will help keep the water in while it drains, and you may want to turn off your main water valve simultaneously. Once you have opened the faucet, turn on your main water valve and leave several inches of space between it and where you drain the water heater tank.
Remove your water heater
This may require some extra work, depending on your hot water heater. Some models come with covers that only need to be removed from one side, while others require more effort. There are also several types of water heaters. If you aren't sure how to remove yours, please ask a licensed plumber for assistance as you don't want to risk damaging it while trying to remove it.
Remove the drain valve
With your water heater tank drained, you'll need to remove the drain valve. It is usually located on the bottom of the tank, but you can find it in other locations depending on your model. The drain will have a ball valve attached to it, and you may need a bucket or other container to catch the water while it drains. Once removed, use a hose and funnel to empty the tank.
Clean your water heater
After the water is completely out of your tank, use a small brush to clean off any sediment inside. A water hose can also help you clean the top and bottom of your tank and any other exposed area.
Reassemble your water heater
Go ahead and put everything back together. This may require some extra muscle, which is why it is best to enlist the help of a friend or family member. Once you do this, turn your water supply back on and check for leaks.
When To Drain Your Hot Water System
When your hot water heater starts leaking
The water heater may start leaking when the heat exchanger begins to rust or damage. It is typically a sign that it is getting old and being overworked. To avoid this, you can drain and clean your water heater every six months or so. You can also plug any leaks outside the tank before draining it.
When your tank is full
Another reason it's a good idea to drain your water tank regularly is that filling it back up may cause damage to your pipes. You may also experience water pressure problems as a result, which is something you don't want to deal with.
When you are moving
You should also drain your water heater before moving your home. This ensures that there will be no damage to the pipes and any other areas that are exposed during the moving process. Usually, you will only need to drain the tank and then close it up again, but follow the instructions with your appliance when doing this.
When your city requires it
Most cities require you to drain the tank several times each year. This is because new water heaters in some areas use a special chemical called silicones that improves their ability to heat cold water by reducing condensation. For this reason, those required to do this must follow a specific schedule or face fines.
When you notice problems
If you realise that your water heater seems to be running a little slower than normal, it may be due to the build-up of sediment or a blocked drain. You may also notice that the water in your home doesn't heat up as quickly as it used to. Either way, it's a good idea to remove and clean the tank to avoid any damage.
Factors When Draining Your Water Heater
Failure to drain annually
The biggest problem with neglecting this essential maintenance task is that minerals gradually build up inside your tank and clog it over time. The longer you wait to drain and clean your water heater, the harder it will be to do so because of the build-up. Eventually, your tank will be too full, and it may even crack.
Improper drainage
You should never drain your hot water heater while it is empty because this can cause rust or corrosion on various parts of the appliance. You should also use a bucket rather than a hose when draining your tank because this will help stop any leaks.
Failure to disconnect the water supply
Another thing to remember is that you will need to have your water supply disconnected before draining your hot water heater. In addition, you can also have someone open an outside faucet to prevent any problems with air pressure and water pressure in your pipes.
Damage caused by draining your hot water system
In some cases, you may find that removing the old water heater altogether is the best choice because it is damaged beyond repair. If this is the case, ensure you see a professional plumber who can help you with this. You will also want to ensure that they install the new one correctly while taking care of any other problems that may require their attention.
Exposed piping
Your water heater can have a similar problem if your pipes are exposed. If you have pipes that run parallel to the ground, for instance, then you should always cover them when draining so that no moisture is created or spilled on the floor, and your pipes will last longer.
Water system damage
In addition to your problems with your water heater, you can also damage your entire water system. When this happens, it will usually cause damage to other areas around it. This can include your plumbing and even the valves controlling the water flow in your home. If you aren't sure how to avoid this, contact a licensed plumber for assistance with the problem.
Ways To Drain Your Hot Water System
People use four common ways to drain their hot water systems. These include:
Using a skimmer
This is the most widespread way to drain your water heater, but it can be a lot of work. You will have to pour some chemicals into a container, which then must be poured into the tank of your hot water heater. Then you will have to wait for this to take effect and discard it once it does.
Using chemical-free fill water
One alternative for draining your hot water heating system is using chemical-free fill water instead of plain old tap water and chemical heat exchange fluid. This is because it is a safer and more effective solution. However, this can be a bit expensive and inconvenient.
Using an electric drain pump
The last option for draining your hot water heater is simply using an electric drain pump. This method will provide instant results and requires little effort besides plugging it in. It may take a little time, but the result makes it well worth the effort to save money and protect your family's safety in your home.
Draining your water heater may seem like an unimportant maintenance task, but it is something that everyone should do every year as long as they own a home. By properly maintaining this appliance, you reduce the chance of expensive repair bills and can be better prepared in case of emergencies. This is something that no one should ignore!
Why Drain Your Hot Water System?
Before you decide to drain your hot water system, you might consider looking at its benefits. Below are a few of the reasons it's important to do this:
Prevent mould and mildew
Mould and mildew can easily damage your home and are really not issues you want to deal with. Since draining your hot water tank will remove all the excess water, no moisture will be left behind for mould to grow in. In addition, doing so prevents any stains from appearing from discoloured water containing rust or minerals.
Maintain your system
When you don't drain your water tank regularly, there is also the possibility that you may need to replace it sooner than expected. In this case, it will be more costly to purchase a new tank and install it in your home because you will need to replace all the plumbing.
Maximise the efficiency of your tank
If you know that there is some build-up in your hot water system, you can perform cleaning and maintenance to help prevent any problems with mineral build-up over time. By keeping this system in good condition, you can also help avoid any sudden malfunctions or other issues.
Save money on future repairs and maintenance
If you can prevent any problems with your water heater by simply draining it regularly, it will help save money if you need to have it repaired in the future. If these issues have already developed over time, however, then replacing them will be very expensive in itself. You may also need to drain and clean your system at least once every year.
Reduce the need for energy
Because it is highly recommended that you drain your hot water tank and clean it regularly, less energy is wasted. Also, there's the added benefit of saving on energy bills because you are utilizing your heating system more efficiently.
Make your tank last longer
If you can reduce your water usage in the hot water tank, this will help extend its lifespan and make it last longer before needing to be replaced or having problems arise from mineral build-up or rust occurring over time.
Avoid environmental issues
By keeping your water tank free of debris and neglecting to drain it before it is full, you could be causing environmental issues in your home and the surrounding areas. It's a good idea to ensure that you maintain this system by following the necessary maintenance procedures included in the owner's manual that came with your appliance.
Ensure proper drainage
You should never drain your water heater until it is empty because this may cause damage to the tank itself and cause leaks elsewhere within your home. Remember that you must also follow any additional instructions when draining it.
Save water
Just like you want to save energy, you should also try to save water. You can do so by conserving it whenever possible so you do not waste water through leaking pipes, dripping taps, and other general problems that may arise with your system.
Reduce the risk of fires
Because a hot water tank is located in an area of your home that holds a lot of heat, if it is not appropriately maintained and drained correctly when needed, it will become more likely to catch fire if any sparks or other fires occur. This is why it is essential to do this as soon as possible.
Drawbacks Of Draining Your Hot Water System
The drain valve may jam
While this is more common with older water systems, you may still have a problem with it jamming. If this happens, you should have your hot water tank repaired or replaced by a licensed plumber because doing it yourself may be dangerous.
The expense of the repair
If you are having issues with the drain valve on your water heater, the repair could cost quite a bit of money and necessitate other repairs to be made simultaneously. This can be very expensive and is one reason people wait longer than they should before draining their hot water tanks.
Irritation to skin
If you have a brand-new water heater in your home, you may feel some irritation with your skin when you drain and clean it out. To prevent this, wear rubber gloves or get some plumber's tape. You can also find a hot water cleaner that helps to reduce the friction between your hands and the hot water tank.
The handle may get stuck
This is not a problem that most people have, but it is possible, and it's something to be aware of if you have a brand-new hot water tank in your home. If this happens, don't panic, as there are ways to fix this. You should try to loosen the drain valve by turning it one way and the other. If this doesn't work, you need to contact a professional to help you with this problem.
The tank may be too heavy to move
Some water tanks are very heavy, especially if they are full of water. This makes it difficult for many people to move them alone, so it is recommended that you get a friend to help you do this. Don't try to lift the tank on your own because you may end up causing damage to your back.
Professional Hot Water System Drainage In AUS
Homeowners in Australia who never want to put off draining their hot water system again should consider seeking the assistance of a professional for this task. Not only will a professional be able to drain your hot water tank quickly and effectively, but they will also be able to replace needed parts and provide other Sydney hot water system maintenance services. This is one of the reasons most homeowners find it beneficial to hire plumbers or hot water system drainage companies.
