Turn “OFF” the circuit breaker or pull the fuse for the circuit that powers the water heater. Run water from a “Hot” faucet to check the temperature of the water. If the water is cold, proceed to step # 4. If the water from the “Hot” faucet is still hot, (with the breaker for the heater still “OFF”) run water from a “Hot” faucet, until it turns cool. After the water from the “Hot” faucet runs cool or cold, shut off the water supply or close the valve on the “cold” line above the heater. Connect a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater. Lift the lever on the T&P valve to relieve the pressure and open a hot water faucet in the kitchen, bath, or laundry. This will allow air into the tank to replace the water being drained. Open the drain valve and allow the water to drain. For older style (MP/MX) style tanks (flat top) the heat traps will not allow enough air in. For these tanks, open or remove the T&P valve

Caution!IF DRAINING WITH A PUMPCaution!

If you use a pump to drain a water heater more quickly, please note: DO NOT PUMP A MARATHON TANK, UNLESS IT HAS BEEN COOLED FIRST. (Refer to Step 3 Above) MAKE SURE TO OPEN THE T&P VALVE AND A HOT WATER FAUCET, BEFORE STARTING THE PUMP.