How Often Should a Hot Water Tank Be Drained?

Hot water tanks are integral in maintaining a comfortable living or working environment. However, like any other mechanical device, a water heater tank can require regular maintenance to remain operational and safe. In this article, we'll explore the question, "how often should a hot water tank be drained?" so you can ensure the health and safety of your family or employees.

We'll also recommend an excellent option for water heater repair in Peoria, just in case things go wrong. If you want to learn how to save money and hassle with routine water heater maintenance, read on to learn more.

When Should I Drain My Water Heater?

Draining your water heater is essential to the proper maintenance of the unit and should be performed regularly to ensure efficient operation and safety. Water heaters often face neglect until they break down completely, which can be extremely expensive to repair. On the other hand, properly maintaining your water heater will reduce the risk of malfunctions and costly repairs. A well-maintained water heater will last for many years and require minimal maintenance.

The best answer to "how often should a hot water tank be drained?" is around once a year. This schedule will prolong the life of your water heater and prevent unnecessary wear and tear. The ideal time to drain your water heater is in the fall, before the first cold day of winter. This timing will give the tank plenty of time to refill before the cold weather begins and prevent you from running out of hot water.

Winter months can also be particularly harsh on water heaters, constantly exposed to cold temperatures and sudden temperature changes. Draining your hot water tank in the fall gives you peace of mind that the pump will work correctly and provide you with plenty of hot water throughout the winter.

Benefits of Draining Your Water Heater

An adequate hot water supply is essential to the comfort and well-being of everyone on your property. Maintaining your water heater correctly can prevent costly repairs and ensure your family has hot water when needed. In addition, regularly draining the tank can benefit your water heater in multiple ways, making it one of the most crucial maintenance tasks.

Draining the hot water tank will remove sediment buildup and other deposits that can build up over time and cause the pump to malfunction. These deposits can also affect the taste of the water and reduce its energy efficiency. In addition, the heating coils inside the tank can also fill with dirt and sediment over time, leading to high energy bills and reduced performance. Annually draining the hot water tank can help prevent these problems from developing and ensure that the system functions at peak performance.

How Do You Drain a Water Heater?

If you're wondering, "how often should a hot water tank be drained?" it's crucial to know how to do it. Most modern electric water heaters have a drain valve at the bottom that allows water to drain out when the tank is not in use. Before draining your tank, ensure no hot water is present to prevent accidental burns and injuries. You should also turn off the water supply to the heater to prevent electrical hazards.

Once you confirm that the system is safe, you can open the drain valve and allow the water to run out for a few minutes. Once the tank is empty, you can turn the supply back on and let the water fill the tank again. It is important to note that it may take several hours for the tank to fill up completely, depending on the system's capacity.

Get Help with Water Heater Issues in Peoria Today

Ensuring your water heater is working at peak efficiency and effectiveness is essential to owning and maintaining your property. However, many owners don't realize the importance of proper maintenance and continue to rely on the system until it breaks down or needs complete replacement. Desert Water Plumbing and Rooter offers comprehensive maintenance services to help homeowners avoid these common issues and ensure their system works properly.



Our plumbing services are unmatched in quality, affordability, and reliability, so you can count on us to keep your water flowing when you need it most. Now that you know the answer to the question, "how often should a hot water tank be drained?" it's time to take action. Call Desert Water Plumbing and Rooter at (602) 699-4401 to learn about our tankless water heater services and other services available in Peoria today.