Step 1:
Shut off the water supply to the water heater.

At the top of the water heater you’ll see a water pipe and a shutoff valve going into the water heater. Turn this valve to shut off the water to the tank.

Step 2:
Turn off the power to the water heater.

It’s important to shut off the power to the water heater before draining it, or you could potentially burn out the heating elements. Shut the power off from the electrical panel. 

Step 3:
Give the water time to cool off.

The water in the water heater is extremely hot. To help prevent injury, it’s a good idea to let the water heater sit overnight so the water within the tank cools down before you drain it. 

Step 4:
Attach a hose to the drain valve.

Once the water heater has cooled down, place one end of a hose directly outside. Attach the other end onto the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater.

The valve on our water heater is different from the one in the video. It resembles the one in the photo below.

Step 5:
Turn on a hot water tap.

Open a hot water tap, like a sink faucet, that is nearest to the water heater. This helps to alleviate pressure and allows the tank to drain quicker. 

Step 6:
Open the drain valve.

Once you open this valve, the water will begin to flow out of the tank. Be patient, as it make take awhile to drain if the tank was full or there is a lot of sediment.

Step 7:
Turn the water supply back on to flush the tank with fresh, clean water.

With the drain valve still open, turn the cold water back on to help eliminate any remaining sediment on the bottom of the tank. Repeat this step until the water runs clear. Then, turn the water valve off again.

Step 8:
Close the valve.

Remove the hose from the drain valve, and be sure to close the valve.