Draining your water heater once a year is one of the easiest ways to keep it running efficiently and extend its lifespan — often adding five to 10 years of service. Over time, minerals in your water supply settle at the bottom of the tank, forming sediment that forces your water heater to work harder. This buildup can lead to popping or crackling noises, higher energy bills, and, eventually, system failure.
Flushing out that sediment takes less than an hour and costs next to nothing if you do it yourself. If you hire a plumber, expect to pay about $100 to $200, depending on your location. That’s a small price compared to the $1,300 to $2,500 it typically costs to replace a tank-style water heater.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to safely drain your water heater, explain why it’s essential for efficiency and performance, and offer tips to help your system last longer.
Why You Need To Drain Your Water Heater
The biggest reason water heaters fail? Sediment buildup. Minerals from your water supply settle at the bottom of the tank over time, creating a thick layer that insulates the water from the heating element. That forces the system to work harder, which means higher energy bills and more wear and tear.
You’ll often hear popping, crackling, or sizzling noises — that’s the sound of water boiling through the sediment. Left unchecked, it can lead to overheating, reduced hot water supply, and early failure of the heating element or even the entire tank.
The good news? Flushing the tank once a year can clear out most of that sediment. It’s a simple maintenance task that can add years to your water heater’s life and save you hundreds on repairs or early replacement.
Steps To Drain a Water Heater
Here’s how to safely flush your water heater and remove sediment:
- Turn off the power:
- Electric heater? Flip the breaker off at your main panel.
- Gas heater? Turn the thermostat to the “Pilot” or “Off” position.
- Shut off the cold water supply:
Look for the valve on the pipe entering the top of the tank and turn it clockwise to close it. - Attach a hose to the drain valve:
Use a standard garden hose and run it to a safe drainage spot — either outside or into a floor drain. - Open the drain valve:
This is usually located near the bottom of the tank. Be careful — the water will be hot. - Release pressure:
Open the pressure relief valve on top of the tank or a nearby hot water tap to let air in and help it drain faster. - Flush the tank:
Once it’s empty, turn the cold water supply back on for two to three minutes to stir up and flush out any remaining sediment. Let it drain again. - Close everything up:
- Shut the drain valve and remove the hose.
- Close the pressure relief valve.
- Turn the cold water supply back on and let the tank refill.
- Restore power:
Once the tank is full (you’ll know when water flows from a hot tap), turn the power or gas back on.
Check your thermostat setting while you’re at it — 120°F is ideal for safety and efficiency.
We highly recommend getting a warranty for your water heater. By obtaining a warranty, you secure a financial safety net, covering repair or replacement costs when issues arise. If you’re considering warranty options, we suggest checking out Kenmore Appliance Warranty options.
Kenmore is renowned for its quality appliances and offers comprehensive warranty plans that can provide you with peace of mind regarding your water heater’s performance. Investigating its options is a wise step toward safeguarding your home’s comfort and your budget.
Final Thoughts
Draining your water heater once a year is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to extend its life and keep your energy bills in check. It prevents sediment buildup that can lead to overheating, reduced efficiency, and expensive repairs.
If you’re comfortable handling basic home maintenance, this is a DIY-friendly task. But if you’d rather not deal with hot water and valves, a plumber can handle it quickly for a modest fee — especially compared to the cost of a full replacement. Either way, it’s a smart move for your home and your budget.
