1.
Turn off water intakes to prevent further potential
for incoming contamination.
2.
Turn off pilot lights if the tank uses manual pilot
lights. Unplug electrically-operated tanks.
3.
Re-adjust the venting if needed.
4.
Gather two containers, something dirty like a mop
bucket, and something clean for collecting drinking water.
5.
Turn on a hot water faucet nearby. (Because
you have closed the intake valves on the tank, you have created an airlock that must be opened in order for the tank to drain.)
6.
Place the dirty receptacle under the drain valve,
and draw off one to two gallons or until water appears clear. The first water
that comes out will often have pebbles, rust flakes or other debris that has settled on the tank bottom.
7.
When the flow is clean and clear, switch to your drinking
water receptacle. Draw out only as much as you will need for about two hours,
and then shut-off the valve.
8.
Anytime after the first two hours, take additional
steps to appropriately purify any additional water drawn from the tank. As the water cools from hot to warm it
will reach ideal conditions for bacteria to grow and multiply.
