Drain water heater?

[Garywt]

When leaving your home for 4-6 months do you drain your water heater? I have a list of things to do but it just said to shut the breaker off for the water heater and I was not sure if it should be drained or not. Thanks

[Ooper]

I wouldn't. 4-6 months isn't that long. I would turn off the water supply to it but draining it is going to leave damp air space where mold and bacteria and/or rust might grow. Also, seals and connections may tend to dry out and leak once you turn the water supply back on. If you do decide to drain it, you really need to thoroughly dry it.

[retiredguy123]

I would never ever drain or flush out a water heater. The water heater accumulates calcium deposits and other sediments over time, and, if you open the drain valve, those deposits will flow through the valve and can easily clog the valve. You may not be able to close the valve, and you will need a plumber to replace the valve and possibly need to replace the water heater. Just my opinion.

[CWGUY]

:ohdear: And this is why you have to be careful with free advice. There is a lot of miss-information out there. Use Google and you will find the real experts say flush it and tell you why. Then do what you want.:shrug:

[villagerjack]

Xxx

[retiredguy123]

My water heater is a Rheem electric water heater. Here is the recommendation by Rheem as quoted from their manual.

Vacation and Extended Shut-Down
If the water heater is to remain idle for an extended period of time, the power and water to the appliance should be turned off to conserve energy and prevent a build-up of dangerous hydrogen gas. The water heater and piping should be drained if they might be subjected to freezing temperatures. After a long shut-down period, the water heater’s operation and controls should be checked by qualified service personnel. Make certain the water heater is completely filled again before placing it in operation.

The manual also "suggests" that a few quarts of water be drained from the water heater "every month". I don't do this, and I wonder if anyone does this every month. In my opinion, I don't think it is a good idea to open and close the drain valve because it may start to leak.

I could not find anything in the Rheem manual that recommends draining or flushing the water heater as a routine maintenance item.

[JerryP]

My water heater is a Rheem electric water heater. Here is the recommendation by Rheem as quoted from their manual.

Vacation and Extended Shut-Down
If the water heater is to remain idle for an extended period of time, the power and water to the appliance should be turned off to conserve energy and prevent a build-up of dangerous hydrogen gas. The water heater and piping should be drained if they might be subjected to freezing temperatures. After a long shut-down period, the water heater’s operation and controls should be checked by qualified service personnel. Make certain the water heater is completely filled again before placing it in operation.

The manual also "suggests" that the a few quarts of water be drained from the water heater "every month". I don't do this, and I wonder if anyone does this every month. In my opinion, I don't think it is a good idea to open and close the drain valve because it may start to leak.

Excellent advice, I did flush mine and was very surprised with the amount of sediment that came out, also no issues with valve leaks. (3 yr old Rheem electric water heater)

[billethkid]

just lower the temperature and forget it till you get back.

[Toymeister]

just lower the temperature and forget it till you get back.

Could not disagree more. First the OP has an electric water heater. Lowering the temp requires accessing each heating element and lowering the temp. Not a easy task. Second why waste cash. Most people turn off lights when they leave the house for a hour much less months.

Depending upon ambient temp you would waste .7 to .8 KWH per day in standby energy losses. 84 to 144 in total for 4-6 months. That is $9.77 to $16.70 because you didn't throw a switch (breaker).

Where I come from that has a name, lazy.

[champion6]

just lower the temperature and forget it till you get back.Assuming it's electric, simply turn it off by flipping the breaker in the service panel.

[leftyf]

I just shut off the breaker

[HiHoSteveO]

No to draining.
>Turn off circuit breaker to water heater
>Turn off water supply to house (if it's separate from irrigation water) Some like to relieve a little bit of pressure in the lines too.

>And if you turn off the water, make sure to raise the lever in the icemaker to turn that off too. Otherwise it will try to make ice every little while while you're gone.

And upon returning, turn the water back on slowly.

[Lottoguy]

Live here year around. Problem solved!

[CWGUY]

Live here year around. Problem solved!

:ho: Still should "Flush" the tank twice a year. (At least once a year) It will last longer. :)

[rjm1cc]

I would never ever drain or flush out a water heater. The water heater accumulates calcium deposits and other sediments over time, and, if you open the drain valve, those deposits will flow through the valve and can easily clog the valve. You may not be able to close the valve, and you will need a plumber to replace the valve and possibly need to replace the water heater. Just my opinion.

I flush once a year. I did it in prior homes and was told by the builder to do it in this home. The idea is that sediment accumulates on the bottom and reduce the heating efficiency. I have only had gas hot water heaters and this reasoning may not apply to electric.

[Garywt]

Thank you all for your thoughts and advice.

[Topspinmo]

I like electric over gas, much simpler to replace, turn it off, just flip the breaker, turn it on just flip the breaker, no pilots to lite, don’t have to worry about gas leaks or carbon monoxide. I have checklist when I leave for week or more, I turn water heater down to pilot, cut water off out side and flush the toilet to. Release pressure., among other things. Then I do the check list in reverse when I get back.

[bonrich]

When I shut down for the return to North country, I just turn off the breaker and run the hot water out and replace it with new cooler water. If you decide to turn off the water to your home, at least there is new water in the heater. Advice from a builder.

[billethkid]

Assuming it's electric, simply turn it off by flipping the breaker in the service panel.

My prior post was in reference to gas.
Electric, yes, just turn it off and forget it till you get back!!