The maintenance of an electric water heater is essential to ensure a constant supply of hot water in your home. An electric water heater, also known as an electric boiler, plays a vital role in daily comfort, especially on cold winter mornings or after a long day at work.
We guide you through the necessary steps to properly and safely drain an electric water heater, with all the details to ensure the process is a success.
Material to Empty an Electric Water Heater
In order to begin the task of draining the electric water heater, we will need a series of materials to unscrew it from the wall as well as to disconnect the various water connections for both the inlet and outlet.
Two buckets of water
An adjustable wrench (important to check the correct size)
A second person to help you
Star screwdriver
Towels
A garbage bag
Once we have the complete list, we can proceed to disassemble the pipes, as well as the electric water heater, since it is installed on the wall and we will need to take apart various elements.
It is worth noting that if your goal is to replace the existing electric water heater in your home, we present a wide selection.
Steps to Empty an Electric Water Heater
If you consider yourself handy at home, we provide you with a list of steps to follow in order to successfully empty the tank.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water and Electricity Supplies
Before we begin, we must ensure that we turn off the power supply to the electric water heater from the electrical panel. This will guarantee our safety while we proceed to drain the heater.
Next, we will close the shut-off valve for the water supply that feeds the electric water heater. This valve is usually located on the cold water pipe that enters the heater. Turn the valve counterclockwise to close it. This will stop the water from entering the tank while you perform the procedure.
Step 2: Drain the Internal Water of the Water Heater
In order to lower the water capacity from its interior, as well as to continue progressing in the process, it will be essential to open the faucets in the home, preferably those that are closest to the water heater. This function will be essential for a quick emptying of it.
We should leave them open for as long as possible, so that we can empty the electric water heater as much as possible, making the work easier in the following steps.
It is important to remember that we must position the handle or actuator of the faucet to allow hot water to flow; otherwise, we will not be emptying the internal contents of the water heater.
Once we detect that hot water is not coming out, we can proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Draining the Water Heater
We must keep in mind that even though we have emptied the tank of the electric water heater by opening the faucet, there will always be residual water that we need to remove.
We will disconnect the flexible hoses that connect the water shut-off valve on the wall with the water connections of the electric water heater itself. However, before doing that, we will position the bucket right underneath the area where the valves are located so that any excess water falls into the container we have prepared.
Step 4: Disassembly of the Electric Water Heater
Once we have emptied all the contents of the water heater, we will proceed to detach it from the wall and then disassemble the water heater itself to clean the tank (this process varies by model and the manufacturer's manuals or installation sheets should be reviewed).
Once we have done a thorough cleaning of the accumulated dirt, we will only need to reassemble the water heater to either leave it out of operation or put it back to use, depending on the needs of each case.
Step 5: Connection, Assembly, and Start-up
If we decide to reinstall the electric water heater to continue functioning in our home, we must carry out the disassembly process in reverse, that is:
Anchor the electric water heater to the wall
Make the water connections with the different shut-off valves
Connect it to the electrical power
Operation of the water shut-off valves
Check the operation and its correct filling
The Importance of Emptying an Electric Water Heater
Emptying an electric water heater is a key task in its maintenance, or if we intend to leave it unused for a long period of time, as this way we will help extend the lifespan of both the internal components of the water storage tank and the inside of the heater itself.
Over time, the minerals and sediments present in the water can accumulate inside the tank, negatively affecting its efficiency and lifespan. Here are some reasons why it is important to drain it regularly:
Removal of Sediments
When water is heated, the dissolved minerals in it tend to settle at the bottom of the tank. This can create a layer of sediment that reduces the capacity of the electric water heater and makes it operate less efficiently.
Prevention of Corrosion
Water can also cause corrosion inside the tank over time. Draining the electric water heater helps prevent corrosion and extends its lifespan.
Greater Energy Efficiency
A clean electric water heater free of sediments consumes less energy to heat water, which translates to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
