How to Safely Access Emergency Drinking Water from Your Water Heater

In the event of a natural disaster, widespread power outage, or contamination of your regular water supply, having a backup source of potable water is absolutely critical. One often-overlooked but readily available reservoir can be found right in your home: your water heater. A standard water heater holds between 30 and 80 gallons of water, which can be a lifesaver when other sources are compromised. However, accessing this water safely and effectively requires understanding the procedure and taking necessary precautions.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to safely extract drinking water from your water heater, covering everything from assessing the water’s potability to the tools you’ll need and the crucial safety measures to follow.

Why Your Water Heater is a Potential Emergency Water Source

Your water heater is essentially a large, insulated tank filled with potable water connected to your home’s plumbing system. Under normal circumstances, this water is heated and supplied to your faucets and appliances. In an emergency, however, this stored water becomes a valuable resource.

Here’s why tapping into your water heater is a viable option:

* **Quantity:** Water heaters hold a significant amount of water, enough to sustain individuals for several days, depending on consumption.
* **Accessibility:** It’s readily accessible within your home, eliminating the need to venture outside in potentially dangerous conditions.
* **Potentially Potable:** The water within the tank is generally potable to begin with, although further steps might be necessary to ensure safety (more on that later).

Important Considerations Before You Begin

Before you start draining water from your heater, it’s important to consider a few crucial factors:

* **Contamination:** Water heaters can accumulate sediment, rust, and other contaminants over time. The older the water heater, the more likely it is that the water will require thorough purification.
* **Power:** **Never** attempt to drain water from the heater while it’s powered on. Turn off the gas supply (if it’s a gas heater) and the electrical breaker to the unit (for electric heaters) to prevent electric shock or explosion.
* **Pressure:** Water heaters operate under pressure. Releasing the pressure carefully is essential to prevent damage to the heater or injury.
* **Temperature:** Depending on your heater’s settings, the water inside can be scalding hot. Exercise extreme caution when draining to avoid burns. Let it cool down considerably before attempting to drain.
* **Alternatives:** Consider other water sources first, such as bottled water, rainwater harvesting systems, or even the water in your toilet tank (only the tank, not the bowl, and it **must** be purified). The water heater should be a secondary option.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Gather these materials *before* an emergency situation to ensure you’re prepared:

* **Wrench:** For opening the drain valve. The size will vary depending on your water heater model.
* **Hose:** A garden hose is ideal for draining the water. Make sure it’s long enough to reach a suitable drainage point.
* **Buckets or Containers:** To collect the drained water.
* **Water Purification Supplies:** This includes unscented household bleach (sodium hypochlorite), a pot for boiling, or a portable water filter.
* **Gloves:** To protect your hands.
* **Safety Glasses:** To protect your eyes.
* **Flashlight or Headlamp:** If the power is out, you’ll need a light source.
* **Multimeter (Optional):** To verify the power is off at the breaker.
* **Water Test Kit (Optional):** To test for contaminants after purification.

Step-by-Step Guide to Draining Water from Your Water Heater

Follow these steps carefully to safely access the water inside your water heater:

**Step 1: Safety First – Turn Off the Power and Gas (if applicable)**

This is the most critical step. Locate the circuit breaker that controls your electric water heater and switch it off. For gas water heaters, turn the gas valve to the “OFF” position. **Double-check** to ensure the power is completely off. For electric heaters, use a multimeter to verify there is no voltage present at the heater’s terminals. If you’re not comfortable working with electricity, consult a qualified electrician.

**Important Safety Note:** Failure to disconnect the power can result in severe electric shock or even death.

**Step 2: Allow the Water to Cool Down**

Water heaters typically maintain water at a high temperature (usually 120-140°F or 49-60°C) to prevent bacterial growth. Attempting to drain the water immediately after turning off the power can result in serious burns. Allow the water to cool down for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight, before proceeding. You can test the water temperature at a hot water faucet before proceeding with the draining process.

**Step 3: Locate the Drain Valve**

The drain valve is usually located near the bottom of the water heater. It typically looks like a small spigot or faucet. You might need a flashlight to locate it if the area is dimly lit.

**Step 4: Attach the Hose**

Connect one end of the garden hose to the drain valve. Make sure the connection is secure to prevent leaks. Place the other end of the hose in a location where you want to drain the water – a floor drain, a large bucket, or outside your house are all potential options. If draining outside, be mindful of local regulations regarding water discharge.

**Step 5: Relieve the Pressure**

Before opening the drain valve, you need to relieve the pressure inside the tank. This can be done by opening the pressure relief valve (also known as the temperature and pressure relief valve or TPR valve). This valve is usually located near the top of the water heater, often on the side. Carefully lift the lever on the TPR valve to release the pressure. Be prepared for a sudden release of hot water and steam. If no water comes out of the TPR valve, it could be faulty and needs to be replaced by a qualified plumber before any emergency occurs.

**Caution:** Stand clear of the TPR valve while releasing pressure to avoid being scalded by hot water or steam.

**Step 6: Open the Drain Valve**

Once the pressure is relieved, slowly open the drain valve using a wrench. The water should begin to flow through the hose. Control the flow by adjusting the drain valve. If the water doesn’t flow, it’s possible that sediment is blocking the valve. Try gently probing the valve opening with a small wire or stiff piece of tubing to dislodge the blockage. Do not use excessive force, as you could damage the valve.

**Step 7: Collect the Water**

As the water drains, collect it in buckets or containers. Monitor the water’s appearance. The initial water drained might be discolored or contain sediment. Allow the water to run until it appears clearer. This initial dirty water should be discarded.

**Step 8: Drain the Desired Amount**

Drain as much water as you need, but be mindful that draining the entire tank can introduce air into your plumbing system and potentially damage the heating element if it’s an electric heater. It’s generally recommended to drain only what you need for the immediate emergency.

**Step 9: Close the Drain Valve and TPR Valve**

Once you’ve drained the desired amount of water, close the drain valve tightly. Then, close the TPR valve by returning the lever to its original position.

**Step 10: Purification (Essential)**

Water from your water heater should *always* be purified before drinking, even if it appears clear. There are several methods for purification:

* **Boiling:** This is the most effective method. Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute (three minutes at altitudes above 6,500 feet). Boiling kills most harmful bacteria and viruses.
* **Bleach:** If boiling isn’t possible, you can use unscented household bleach (containing 5.25%–8.25% sodium hypochlorite). Add bleach to the water using the following guidelines:
* 1/8 teaspoon (8 drops) of bleach per gallon of water
* 1/4 teaspoon (16 drops) of bleach per 2 gallons of water
* 1/2 teaspoon (32 drops) of bleach per 4 gallons of water
Stir well and let the water stand for at least 30 minutes before using. The water should have a slight chlorine odor. If it doesn’t, repeat the treatment. If it still doesn’t have a chlorine odor after the second treatment, discard the water and find another source.
**Important:** Only use *unscented* household bleach. Do not use bleaches that contain additives like detergents or fragrances.
* **Water Filter:** A portable water filter designed for removing bacteria and viruses can also be used. Make sure the filter is certified to remove the specific contaminants you’re concerned about. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

**Step 11: Refilling the Water Heater**

After you’ve used the emergency water and the regular water supply is restored, you’ll need to refill the water heater.

1. Close the drain valve securely.
2. Open a hot water faucet somewhere in your house to allow air to escape from the pipes.
3. Turn the main water supply back on.
4. Let the hot water faucet run until water flows steadily without any air bubbles. This indicates that the water heater is full.
5. Turn the hot water faucet off.
6. Turn the gas supply back on (for gas heaters) and relight the pilot light according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Or, turn the circuit breaker back on (for electric heaters).
7. Allow the water heater to heat up to its normal temperature before using hot water again.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

* **Water won’t drain:** Sediment buildup in the drain valve is the most common cause. Try gently probing the valve opening with a small wire. Make sure the pressure relief valve is open.
* **Water is discolored or smells bad:** This is normal, especially in older water heaters. Discard the initial discolored water and allow the water to run until it appears clearer. Always purify the water before drinking.
* **Drain valve is leaking:** Ensure the drain valve is closed tightly. If it continues to leak, you may need to replace the valve. This is best done by a qualified plumber.
* **No hot water after refilling:** Make sure the gas supply is on (for gas heaters) and the pilot light is lit. For electric heaters, ensure the circuit breaker is on. Give the water heater sufficient time to heat up.

Maintaining Your Water Heater for Emergency Preparedness

Regular maintenance of your water heater is crucial to ensure it functions properly and provides a reliable source of emergency water. Here are some essential maintenance tips:

* **Flush the Tank Annually:** Flushing the tank removes sediment buildup, which can improve water quality and prolong the life of your water heater. To flush the tank, follow the draining procedure outlined above, but drain the entire tank. After draining, flush the tank with fresh water until the water runs clear. Then, refill the tank as described previously.
* **Inspect the Anode Rod:** The anode rod is a sacrificial metal rod that protects the tank from corrosion. It should be inspected every few years and replaced when it’s significantly corroded. A corroded anode rod can lead to tank failure and water leaks.
* **Check the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve (TPR Valve):** Test the TPR valve periodically to ensure it’s functioning properly. Lift the lever on the valve briefly to release some water. If the valve doesn’t release water or if it leaks after being released, it needs to be replaced.
* **Insulate the Water Heater:** Insulating the water heater can reduce heat loss and save energy. Wrap the tank with an insulating blanket designed for water heaters.
* **Maintain Proper Temperature Settings:** Setting the water heater temperature too high can waste energy and increase the risk of scalding. A temperature of 120°F (49°C) is generally recommended.

Alternative Emergency Water Sources

While your water heater is a valuable backup, it’s essential to have other emergency water sources available:

* **Bottled Water:** Store at least one gallon of bottled water per person per day for at least three days. This is the most convenient and reliable option.
* **Rainwater Harvesting:** If you live in an area with regular rainfall, consider setting up a rainwater harvesting system to collect and store rainwater. Rainwater should always be purified before drinking.
* **Water from Your Toilet Tank (Not the Bowl!):** In a dire emergency, the water in your toilet tank (not the bowl!) can be used after purification. However, this should be a last resort, as the water may contain contaminants from the plumbing system. Make sure to only use the tank water, and never the bowl water.
* **Water from Fruits and Vegetables:** Some fruits and vegetables, such as watermelons and cucumbers, contain a significant amount of water that can be consumed in an emergency.

Staying Informed and Prepared

Emergency preparedness is an ongoing process. Stay informed about potential hazards in your area and develop a comprehensive emergency plan that includes water storage, food supplies, and other essential items. Participate in community emergency preparedness programs and learn basic first aid and survival skills.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Always exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when working with water heaters and electrical systems. If you are not comfortable performing any of the steps described in this guide, consult a qualified plumber or electrician.

By taking the time to prepare and understand how to access emergency water from your water heater, you can significantly increase your chances of survival in a disaster. Remember, being prepared is the key to staying safe and resilient.