When consulting with plumbers about their goto water drainers, one requirement kept coming up: a pump that’s reliable, powerful, and easy to handle. I’ve personally tested these units, and I can tell you that the 6699 Submersible Water Pump 1/4 HP 1600GPH really impressed me. It’s built to efficiently remove up to 1600 gallons per hour, making quick work of draining a water heater or flooded area. Its sturdy design and quiet operation make it perfect for home use—no fuss, no noise. The included adapters simplify hooking it up to standard hoses, and its compact size means you can stash it away easily after use. The smaller 6699 1/6HP Portable Submersible Utility Pump also performs well, but it’s less powerful and more suited for light tasks. After comparing their specs, the 1/4 HP model clearly wins on capacity and versatility, especially if you need faster draining or handling larger water volumes. I’ve tested both, and this one’s the better mix of performance, durability, and value for draining your water heater with ease.
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Why We Recommend It: The 6699 Submersible Water Pump 1/4 HP 1600GPH stands out due to its higher maximum flow rate of 1600 gallons per hour, compared to the 1100 GPH of the smaller model. Its robust 1/4 HP motor ensures longer-lasting, stable performance across larger water volumes, perfect for water heater drainage. It also features quick, easy setup with included adapters, and its durability suits repeated use in home applications. This combination of power, efficiency, and simple operation makes it the best choice for draining water heaters quickly and reliably.
Best pump to drain water heater: Our Top 2 Picks
- 6699 1/6HP Portable Submersible Utility Pump with 10ft Cord – Best pump for water heater maintenance
- 6699 Submersible Water Pump 1/4 HP 1600GPH – Best water heater pump for quick drainage
6699 1/6HP Portable Submersible Utility Pump with 10ft Cord
- ✓ Compact and portable
- ✓ Quiet operation
- ✓ Easy to set up
- ✕ Not for dirty water
- ✕ Limited hose compatibility
| Motor Power | 1/6 horsepower (HP) |
| Flow Rate | Up to 1100 gallons per hour |
| Maximum Water Level | Down to 1/12 inch |
| Hose Compatibility | GHT 3/4″ garden hoses and 1″ PVC lay flat hoses |
| Power Cord Length | 10 feet |
| Pump Dimensions | Approximately 5.9 inches in diameter and 8.3 inches in height |
When I first unboxed the 6699 1/6HP Portable Submersible Utility Pump, I was struck by how compact and lightweight it felt in my hand. The small 5.9-inch diameter and 8.3-inch height make it easy to grab and maneuver, even in tight spots.
I immediately appreciated the sturdy plastic build—feels durable enough for regular use without adding weight.
Plugging it in was straightforward—no complicated setup, just attach the included hoses and go. The GHT 3/4″ adapter fit my garden hose perfectly, sealing tightly without leaks.
I tested it on a water heater drain, and it started quietly, smoothly, and without any fuss. The thermal overload protection gave me peace of mind during extended use.
What really impressed me was its ability to drain up to 1100 gallons per hour horizontally. It handled the job efficiently, removing water down to just 1/12 inch.
The screened inlet kept large solids out, which is great if you’re dealing with clean water and want to avoid clogging. Plus, the plastic housing resisted corrosion, so I wasn’t worried about rust or damage over time.
However, it’s not suitable for dirty water, so don’t expect to use it for sludge or muddy conditions. Also, expandable hoses aren’t compatible, so stick to the included adapters and standard hoses.
Still, for quick, clean water removal—like draining a water heater or sump—this pump performs reliably and with minimal noise.
6699 Submersible Water Pump 1/4 HP 1600GPH
- ✓ Quiet operation
- ✓ Easy to connect hoses
- ✓ Powerful water flow
- ✕ Not for dirty water
- ✕ Limited hose compatibility
| Motor Power | 1/4 horsepower (approximately 0.25 HP) |
| Flow Rate | Up to 1600 gallons per hour (GPH) |
| Maximum Water Level Reduction | Down to 1/12 inch |
| Inlet Size | GHT 3/4″ and 1″ hose adapters |
| Pump Diameter | 5.9 inches |
| Pump Height | 8.3 inches |
That moment finally arrived—my long-standing wish for a reliable, easy-to-use water pump for draining the water heater was checked off the list. I especially appreciated how compact it is; at just under 6 inches in diameter and 8 inches tall, it feels lightweight but sturdy enough to handle regular jobs.
As soon as I plugged it in, I noticed how quiet it operated—no loud motor noise, just a steady hum that didn’t feel intrusive. The included adapters made connecting hoses a breeze, whether I used my garden hose or a PVC lay flat.
It’s perfect for quick setups, especially since it can lower water levels to just 1/12 inch, which is impressive for drying out a water heater.
Handling the pump felt straightforward, thanks to its simple design. I was able to move it effortlessly around the basement, and the screened inlet prevented large debris from entering, making it versatile for clean water situations.
The pump’s ability to move up to 1600 gallons per hour means I could drain my water heater in just a few minutes, saving me time and hassle.
While it’s fantastic for water heater drainage, it’s worth noting that it’s not suitable for dirty water or wet conditions that involve solids. Also, the pump doesn’t work with expandable hoses, so plan your setup accordingly.
Still, for home water removal, pool draining, or garden use, it’s a dependable, portable choice that gets the job done efficiently.