How to Drain a Boiler to Relieve Pressure

Boilers are a variety of heating equipment sometimes referred to as hydronic heating systems. The heating element in a boiler tank does not actually boil the water inside; it raises the temperature under pressure to move heated water through a building's heating infrastructure, warming the radiators in a room, for example. Boilers are fitted with a pressure relief valve as a safety mechanism to prevent rupturing the tank. You can drain a boiler to relieve pressure by connecting a standard hose.

Braided-type garden hose with threaded connectors
Pliers
Work gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Shut off the boiler so it will not waste energy during the drain process. Most boilers are not designed to operate while empty. Twist the corrugated water supply knob on the top or upper side of the boiler clockwise until tight.
- 2
  Screw on the connector at one end of the braided hose to the threaded nozzle on the bottom of the boiler. Twist the connector to the right with pliers while tight. Wear work gloves to protect your hands.
- 3
  Extend the other end of the hose to the outside of the building, or place the open end of the hose in a floor drain, such as found in a basement where the boiler is most likely to be located.
- 4
  Twist the valve control counterclockwise on the drain valve above the connected hose to drain the boiler.
- 5
  Close the valve control by twisting it to the right when water from the hose stops gushing. Wait for the water flow to slow to a trickle if you need to drain the boiler completely.

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