How To Drain An Ao Smith Water Heater

Draining a water heater is a fundamental maintenance task that can extend its lifespan and improve its efficiency. The following steps outline the procedure for draining an AO Smith water heater.

Preparation

Prior to initiating the draining process, gather the necessary equipment and materials. This includes:

A garden hose.
A flathead screwdriver.
A bucket or container.
Protective gloves.
Eye protection.

Ensure the area around the water heater is clear and accessible.

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Step 1: Turn Off the Power Supply

Safety is paramount. Begin by disconnecting the power supply to the water heater. For electric water heaters, locate the circuit breaker in your electrical panel that corresponds to the water heater and switch it to the "OFF" position. For gas water heaters, turn the gas valve to the "OFF" position. The gas valve is typically located on the gas supply line leading to the water heater.

Example: If the breaker labeled "Water Heater" is on position "ON", switch it to position "OFF". Visually confirm the breaker is indeed off.

Step 2: Turn Off the Cold Water Supply

Locate the cold water inlet pipe connected to the top of the water heater. There should be a shut-off valve on this pipe. Turn the valve clockwise to completely shut off the cold water supply to the tank. This prevents more water from entering the tank while it's being drained.

Note: In some installations, the shut-off valve may be a gate valve. In this case, turn the handle until it is fully closed.

Step 3: Allow the Water to Cool

Heated water can cause scalding. Allow the water inside the tank to cool down before draining. This process can take several hours, depending on the tank's size and the current water temperature. A general guideline is to wait at least two to three hours after turning off the power/gas. Touching the top of the tank can give a rough indication of the temperature, but avoid direct contact for prolonged periods to prevent burns. Consider waiting overnight for a safer approach.

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Caution: Never drain a water heater immediately after use, especially if young children or vulnerable adults are present.

Step 4: Connect the Garden Hose

Locate the drain valve near the bottom of the water heater. This is usually a spigot with a threaded end. Attach one end of the garden hose securely to the drain valve. Ensure the connection is tight to prevent leaks. Place the other end of the garden hose in a location where the water can drain safely, such as a floor drain, a utility sink, or outside in the yard.

Tip: If the drain valve is difficult to access, use pliers or a wrench to gently loosen it before attaching the hose. Avoid excessive force that could damage the valve.

Step 5: Open the Drain Valve

Using a flathead screwdriver or the valve handle (if present), carefully open the drain valve. Water will begin to flow out of the hose. Be prepared for a significant volume of water, depending on the tank's capacity. Monitor the flow and ensure the hose remains securely attached to the drain valve.

Note: The initial flow might be sputtering and contain sediment. This is normal.

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Step 6: Open a Hot Water Faucet

To facilitate drainage, open a hot water faucet somewhere in the house. This allows air to enter the water heater tank, which prevents a vacuum from forming and speeds up the draining process. The highest faucet in the house is often the most effective.

Rationale: Opening a hot water faucet provides an air inlet, replacing the water being drained. Without this, a vacuum can form, significantly slowing or stopping the draining process.

Step 7: Monitor the Drainage

Allow the water heater to drain completely. The time required depends on the tank's size and the water pressure. Periodically check the flow of water from the hose. Once the water flow stops or slows to a trickle, the tank is mostly empty. Be aware that some residual water may remain in the bottom of the tank due to the position of the drain valve.

Observation: The color of the water draining out can indicate the level of sediment buildup in the tank. Murky or rusty water suggests a significant accumulation of sediment.

Step 8: Flush the Tank (Optional)

To remove sediment buildup, consider flushing the tank. This involves briefly opening the cold water supply valve while the drain valve is open. Allow water to flow through the tank for a few minutes to flush out any remaining sediment. Close the drain valve before closing the cold water supply.

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Procedure: Briefly open the cold water inlet valve for 30-60 seconds and then close it again. Repeat several times until the water running out through the drain hose is clear.

Step 9: Close the Drain Valve

After the tank is drained and flushed (if desired), close the drain valve securely using a flathead screwdriver or the valve handle. Ensure the valve is tightly closed to prevent leaks. Disconnect the garden hose from the drain valve.

Step 10: Close the Hot Water Faucet

After completing the previous steps, close the hot water faucet that was opened to vent the tank during draining.

Step 11: Turn On the Cold Water Supply

Slowly turn the cold water supply valve counterclockwise to reopen it. Allow the tank to refill gradually. Listen for air escaping from the hot water faucets as the tank fills. Avoid turning the valve on too quickly, as this can create pressure surges that could damage the tank or plumbing.

Step 12: Bleed the Air from the System

Once the tank is full, open each hot water faucet in the house, one at a time, to bleed any remaining air from the pipes. Allow the water to run until a steady stream of water flows without sputtering or air bubbles. This step is essential to prevent water hammer and ensure proper water flow.

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Example: Start with the faucet closest to the water heater, then move to the furthest faucet.

Step 13: Turn On the Power Supply

After the tank is full and the air has been bled from the system, restore the power supply to the water heater. For electric water heaters, switch the circuit breaker in the electrical panel back to the "ON" position. For gas water heaters, turn the gas valve back to the "ON" position. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for relighting the pilot light, if applicable.

Step 14: Check for Leaks

Carefully inspect all connections around the water heater, including the drain valve, the cold water inlet, and the hot water outlet, for any signs of leaks. Tighten any loose connections as needed. Monitor the area around the water heater for several hours to ensure there are no slow leaks.

Observation: Small leaks should be addressed immediately to prevent water damage.

Maintenance

Draining a water heater annually is a recommended maintenance practice. This helps to remove sediment buildup, which can reduce the heater's efficiency and shorten its lifespan. Regular draining can also prevent corrosion and other problems.

Note: If the water heater is located in an area prone to freezing temperatures, take extra precautions to protect it from freezing during the winter months. This may involve insulating the tank and pipes or draining the tank completely if it will not be used for an extended period.