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There will eventually come a point where you have to drain out your home's hot water tank. This is because sediment gradually collects in the tank over time. The sediment can move around the tank and cause a banging sound, but it can also cause your water heater to use more energy to heat up the water inside it. Draining the tank is something that you can do without the help of a professional by following these steps.

Shut Off The Tank's Heating Element

You'll need to start by turning off the hot water tank's heating element. If it is a gas tank, you'll need to shut off the gas and turn the thermostat to the pilot setting. If it's an electric tank, it is best to shut down the water heater at the fuse box to ensure that no power is running to it. It will help avoid an accidental electrocution since you will be dealing with water.

Shut Off The Tank's Water Supply

If you do not shut off the main water supply going into the tank, it will just keep filling up with water as you drain it out from the bottom. Find the pipe, usually made of copper, that is at the very top of the tank. There should be a shut off valve close to where the water enters the tanks. Turn it clockwise to shut off the tank's water supply.

Attach The Hose

You'll need to attach a hose to the outlet located on the bottom of the tank. You can let the water flow into a drain in the floor of your basement, or into a large bucket that you'll keep needing to empty.

Drain The Hot Water

Opening the valve along the bottom of the tank may not be enough to let the water flow. There is a relief valve located near the top of your hot water tank that lets air inside it, helping push the water out of the valve on the bottom. If water isn't coming out, you most likely forgot about the relief valve.

As the water is coming out of the hose, you'll notice a lot of sediment if it has been a while since you drained the tank. The water could look very cloudy, or even rust colored.

Turn On The Heating Element

Once all of the water is drained, you can close the drain and relief valve, open the water valve, and then turn on the heating element.

If all these steps seem too complicated to you, contact a plumber in your area that can do it for you.