Trigger
Annually
Who does it
DIY
Est. time
45-60 min
Est. cost
$0-20
Difficulty
●●○○○
Step by step
Turn off power (electric) or set gas valve to pilot.
Shut the cold water inlet valve and connect a hose to the drain valve, routed outside or to a drain.
Open a hot water faucet in the house to break the vacuum, then open the drain valve.
Let the tank drain fully until water runs clear; briefly open the cold inlet to stir remaining sediment.
Close the drain valve, remove the hose, refill the tank, then restore power/gas.
Video guide
Guide to Draining and Flushing an Electric Water Heater - This Old House
Watch this guide
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