A technique to drain your water heater quicker
Preparations: Many newer heaters have a plastic-type boiler drain that can snap off while attempting to remove them. All electrical or gas connections must be off and you should open the hot water faucet to cool the tank temperature before beginning. Also make sure the water is not hot in the tank before draining avoid getting burned. Do not attempt this technique if the heater is in an area where damage can occur if the process fails.
Technique: Let the tank cool off and shut off the faucet and the water supply. Do not open any faucets or the relief valve (this will prevent air entering the tank and piping system). Then remove the boiler drain from the tank (be sure to have the next step prepared and have teflon tape or pipe dope applied). Quickly insert (screw-in) a properly sized (usually 3/4″) pipe nipple with a valve and another nipple into tank opening where boiler drain was removed. Insert a 7/8″ hose over the nipple and open the valve to drain the tank. This prevents small debris in the tank from plugging the boiler drain and avoids draining the tank too quickly.
