Abstract: A tool and method clean and drain a water heater tank, removing water and sediment from the tank. An insert tube fits through the hot water outlet port to reach the bottom of the tank interior. A fitting connects the insert tube to a hose extending down the outside of the tank to the floor/ground to a drain or container that is lower than the bottom of the tank interior. After priming the tool by using the cold water inlet flow to fill the tool with water and sediment, the cold water inlet is disconnected from the water heater, venting the tank so that water and sediment are siphoned out of the tank through the tool to empty the tank. The tool and method work without unplugging or disconnecting a clogged water heater drain line, without using a compressor or pump, and without creating a wet, messy environment.