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Project

Drain the Water Heater — Draining the Water Heater (If Replacing Element)

Beginner3 hours

Part of project

Fix a Water Heater: No Hot Water Troubleshooting · Step 3 of 4

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In this video

Attach a hose to the drain valve to drain the water heater tank. Position the other end of the hose so the draining water does not do any damage. Open the valve on the top of the water heater tank to allow air to enter the tank and for the water to drain. Leave the hose attached until there is no more water coming out.

Goal: Empty the old water heater tank to prepare it for removal

  • The water coming out of the tank will be hot. Be careful and position the drain hose in an appropriate place.

Used in this video

  • Garden Hose (Hose Diameter: 1/2 inch, Hose Length: 25 feet, Hose Material: Rubber) · optional — Draining water from the heater.
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FAQs

What are the most critical safety precautions I need to take before starting this water heater troubleshooting project?

The absolute first steps are to turn off the power to the water heater at your electrical panel and shut off the cold water supply valve to the tank. Always use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm the power is off at the element terminals before touching any wires to prevent electrical shock. This prioritization of safety prevents serious injury or property damage.

Do I really need a multimeter for this project, and how does it help diagnose the problem?

Yes, a multimeter is essential for accurately diagnosing if the heating element is faulty. You'll set it to measure resistance (ohms) and touch the leads to the element's screw terminals. A reading between 10-30 ohms indicates the element is likely good, while an "OL" (Open Line) reading means it's broken and needs replacement.

When do I need to drain the entire water heater tank, and when is it not necessary?

You only need to drain the water heater tank if you determine the heating element is faulty and you plan to replace it. If you are just performing the diagnostic test on the element and it proves to be functional, there is no need to drain the tank. Draining can add significant time to the project, so avoid it if not necessary.

My multimeter displayed "OL" when I tested the heating element; what does this signify, and what's my next step?

An "OL" (Open Line) reading on your multimeter indicates that the heating element has an open circuit, meaning it's faulty and needs to be replaced. Your next step is to proceed with draining the tank, disconnecting the old element, and installing a new one. Be sure to purchase a replacement element that matches your water heater's specifications.

Transcript
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first put your hair up Tada so every water heater has a place where it's able to drain so we have our handy danty hose here we're going to attach this so we can get all the water out of here do we bring any tools to do this thank you oh little seat awesome sauce unscrewing so in order for it to drain I have to let air into the system check the hook drain drain drain drain drain drain drain drain drain drain success now we leave it until there's no more water

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.