how to drain a rheem electric water heater

If you're a homeowner and have noticed that your water heater isn't performing as efficiently as it used to, it may be time to drain it. Draining your water heater is an important maintenance task that helps clear out sediment buildup and keeps your unit running smoothly. However, not all water heaters come equipped with a drain valve, making the draining process a bit more complicated. But fear not! In this post, we'll walk you through how to drain a water heater without a drain valve.

Locating the Drain Valve

Before we dive into alternative draining methods, it's essential to first check if your water heater does, in fact, have a drain valve. The drain valve is typically located near the bottom of the tank and consists of a small threaded cap or a spigot-like handle. If your water heater has a drain valve, you can follow the standard draining procedure, which involves connecting a hose to the valve and emptying the tank (we'll cover this method later).

No Drain Valve? No Problem!

For water heaters without a drain valve, you'll need a few additional tools to complete the draining process. Here's what you'll need:

• A sump pump or a transfer pump
• A garden hose
• A bucket or a large container
• Teflon tape (optional)

Step 1: Disconnect the Power

Before starting any maintenance task on your water heater, always ensure that you disconnect the power supply. If you have an electric water heater, locate the circuit breaker labeled for the water heater and switch it off. If you have a gas water heater, turn the gas valve to the "pilot" position.

Step 2: Shut Off the Cold Water Supply

Locate the cold water supply pipe connected to your water heater and shut off the valve. This valve should be located above your water heater or along the supply line. Turning off the valve will prevent water from entering the tank while you drain it.

Step 3: Prepare the Pump

If you have a sump pump, connect the garden hose to the sump pump's outlet. If you're using a transfer pump, you'll need to attach the garden hose to both the inlet and outlet of the pump. Make sure all connections are secure, and if necessary, use Teflon tape to prevent any leaks.

Step 4: Begin Draining

Place the end of the garden hose in a large container or directly outside where the water can safely be discharged. Submerge the sump pump or transfer pump into the water heater, making sure that it does not touch the sides or the bottom of the tank to avoid stirring up sediment.

Step 5: Start the Pump

If you're using a sump pump, plug it into a nearby electrical outlet and turn it on. The pump will begin pulling water from the water heater and discharging it through the hose. If you're using a transfer pump, follow the manufacturer's instructions to start the pumping process.

Step 6: Monitor the Draining Process

Keep an eye on the water level in the container or outside area where the hose is discharging. As the water heater empties, sediment and debris may come out with the water. This is normal and indicates that your water heater is being effectively drained.

Step 7: Empty the Tank

Once the water starts to run clear, your water heater is almost empty. At this point, you can remove the pump from the tank, but keep the hose submerged to drain any remaining water. After the water heater is completely emptied, you can turn off the sump pump or transfer pump.

Step 8: Flush and Refill

Now that the tank is empty, you can further flush it by briefly turning on the cold water supply valve. This will help remove any remaining sediment that may be stuck inside. Let the water flow for a few seconds and then shut off the valve.

Step 9: Reconnect the Power and Refill the Tank

With the draining process complete, you can now reconnect the power to your water heater. If you have an electric water heater, flip the circuit breaker back on. For gas water heaters, turn the gas valve back to the previous position. Finally, open the cold water supply valve fully to refill the tank.

Step 10: Check for Leaks

After refilling the tank, check all the connections and valves for any signs of leaks. If you notice any leaks, tighten the connections or replace any faulty parts accordingly. It's important to ensure that your water heater is securely connected to avoid any water damage or accidents.

Step 11: Wait for Hot Water

Once the tank is refilled, it may take some time for the water to heat up again. Be patient, and within a few hours, you should have hot water flowing from your faucets as usual.

In Conclusion

Draining your water heater is an essential maintenance task that helps prolong its lifespan and keep it running efficiently. If your water heater doesn't have a drain valve, using a sump pump or transfer pump with a garden hose is an effective way to drain the tank. Remember to always take the necessary safety precautions, such as disconnecting the power supply and shutting off the cold water valve, before starting any maintenance on your water heater.

Regularly draining your water heater can prevent sediment buildup, improve performance, and save you money on energy bills. By following these steps and performing this task at least once a year, you'll ensure that your water heater continues to provide hot water for all your household needs.

So, go ahead and give your water heater the attention it deserves by draining it properly. Your future self will thank you for it!