It's the middle of winter, and you're taking a hot bath to help you relax after a long day. Suddenly, you hear a loud noise from your water heater and realize it's time to drain it!
Some signs that it might be time to drain your water heater include the following:
- Your water heater is making loud noises
- You notice corrosion on the pipes leading to or from your water heater
- Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
- There is water pooling around your water heater
If you're noticing any of these signs, it's time to drain your water heater.
Read more : How Often Should You Drain Your Water Heater?
But how long does it take to drain a water heater? And what will you do to make the process go more quickly? Here, we will answer those questions and provide tips on properly draining your water heater.
1. The Size of the Water Heater
A water heater can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours to drain, depending on the tank size. The larger the tank, the longer it will take to drain.
2. The Amount of Water in the Tank
If the tank is full, it will take longer to drain than if it is only partially full. The more water in the tank, the longer it will take to drain completely.
3. The Temperature of the Water in the Tank
The ideal temperature for a water heater is between 110 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too high, it can cause scalding. If the temperature is set too low, bacteria can grow in the tank.
If you need to drain your water heater, turn off the power to the unit first. Then, open the cold water supply valve and attach a hose to the drain valve. Next, open the drain valve and allow water to flow into a bucket or drain. Depending on the size of your water heater, it will take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to completely drain the tank. Once the water tank is empty, you may close the drain valve and remove the hose.
4. The Type of Water Heater
Some types of water heaters are:
- Conventional Storage Water Heater
- Tankless Water Heater
- Solar Water Heater
- Heat Pump Water Heater
The time it takes to drain your water heater will vary depending on the type of water heater that you have. For example, a conventional storage water heater has a tank that needs to be drained, while a tankless water heater does not. Solar and heat pump water heaters also have different drainage requirements.
A solar water heater typically has a much longer drainage time than other types of water heaters because it needs to be drained entirely to prevent damage to the system. On the other hand, a heat pump typically has a shorter drainage time because it does not have a tank that needs to be emptied.
Contact Moncrief for expert heating and air in Atlanta. We're available 24/7 for all your repair, replacement, and maintenance needs! It takes between 30 and 60 minutes to drain a water heater. The time it takes will vary depending on the size of the water heater, the amount of water in it, and the rate at which the water is draining.